Kris Serviss’s Taqueria Del Norte Is Now Culture on the Circle
The onetime Blue Duck chef is changing things up in Northeast Philly once again.
Fancy Parm at Culture on the Circle | Photo courtesy of Kris Serviss
After less than a year operating Taqueria Del Norte, chef Kris Serviss is switching up the concept in the home of the original Blue Duck in Northeast Philly. The restaurant is now Culture on the Circle, a New American BYO.
“It’s kind of the grown-up version of the food I used to cook at Blue Duck,” Serviss said. “It’s a lot more focused on letting ingredients be what they are. I’m doing my best to highlight them while still doing some fun stuff.”
The change was inspired by a desire to break out of the taqueria format and respond to customer feedback. “One of my staff said it was like writers block — how many ways can I do tacos and guacamole?” he said. When Taqueria Del Norte’s Mexican-inspired brunch didn’t take off, Serviss reverted to Blue Duck favorites on Sundays and saw an enthusiastic response from guests.
Serviss is no longer involved with Northeast Sandwich Co., the North Eats food truck, or North Shore, the North Wildwood bar that opened last summer, citing the challenges of traveling back and forth from city to shore while balancing multiple businesses and family obligations.
As for the name? Last year, Serviss was in the process of opening a BYO serving handmade pasta, pizza, and brunch under the name Culture in Somerton with now-former partner Brian Zanczuk. The project never got past the zoning phase, so he decided to adapt and use the name for his rebranded Holme Circle restaurant.
The new concept’s menu is built around eight staple entrees, with an emphasis on ever-changing specials and Sunday brunch with BYOB mimosas. They’re also serving the beloved duck fries from the Blue Duck days.
Culture on the Circle is located at 2859 Holme Avenue. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for brunch, and closed Monday. Check out the full menu below (click to embiggen).
