Kelly White and Co. tackle 10 Arts
posted by Kelly White
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| Chef Eric Ripert with Phoodie.info wine columnist Collin Flatt |
| Photo | Kelly White |
We sent CP contributor Kelly White to the grand opening of 10 Arts, the new restaurant from famed chef Eric Ripert.
Eric Ripert wouldn't say what wine he was drinking. Just know that it was not what the rest of us at last night's 10 Arts soft opening were sipping.
As Ripert overlooked the Rotunda of the Ritz-Carlton, which had undergone a multi-million dollar renovation for his brand-new restaurant and lounge, he looked pleased and not the least bit intimidating. The approachable celebrichef even posed for a shot with Collin Flatt, my fellow Ripert admirer, after proving that we were well-aware of the Michelin-rated Frenchman's background beyond his executive chef position at NYC's Le Bernardin.
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| Inside 10 Arts |
| Photo | Kelly White |
10 Arts will spotlight indigenous products of the Philadelphia region with organic produce, simple flavors, and reasonably-priced cuisine. Excerpts from the menu were passed around liberally, mostly finger foods like pommes frites, truffled popcorn, calamari, and mini burgers. Stations were set up for clam chowder and grilled flat iron steak; a seafood spread was crested with a ubiquitous ice sculpture. Hand-blown chandeliers and a lavish wine cellar in the center of the Rotunda were meant to exude sophistication, but comments from critics around the room relayed two major agreements: The fried edibles going around were not Ripert's best, and the décor was hardly convincing.
Talk to anyone at the sleek 10 Arts bar, though, and it was a different story altogether. There, the list of Perfect 10 Cocktails wooed the natives. The signature drinks honored Philadelphia's artists — the W.C. Fields' Pomagingertini, Wyeth's Blue Ice and the Eakins' Elixir quickly met our lush standards.
Taking into account that reception food contains its oversteps and miscalculations, we exited 10 Arts not exactly swayed — but leaning in the right direction.
More photos after the jump.
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| Dessert spread |
| Photo | Kelly White |
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| Cocktails at the bar |
| Photo | Kelly White |
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| The W.C. Fields Pomagingertini |
| Photo | Kelly White |