Au revoir, Snackbar

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Au revoir, Snackbar

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 5:47 PM

Filed Under: Closings

Photos | Drew Lazor

Last night was the grand finale of Snackbar (253 S. 20th St.), the Rittenhouse hang Jonathan Makar opened in the fall of 2006. Plenty of familiar faces, regulars and former employees alike, paid a visit to raise a glass and toast to the restaurant's four-plus years, a run that far outpaced any other tenant in this cheerful and challenging corner space. (Disclosure: I've been coming to Snackbar since the very beginning, as my lovely girlfriend ran the joint.) I'm not exactly sure how former chefs Jonathan Adams (left) â he opened the spot and headed out in '08 to do Pub & Kitchen â and John "Chainsaw" Taus (he bowed out in spring 2010 and is now at The Corner) ended up tying aprons on in the kitchen, but there they were, cooking whatever they could get their hands on to feed the wistful mourners congregated in the dining room. It was a sad evening, especially since the restaurant had a fiercely loyal contingent of regulars, many of whom told me they weren't sure how they would replace their evening drink-and-a-bite perch. The tucked-in dining room, fireplace, killer staff and location really lent itself to neighborly lingering. One near neighbor pointed out all the items, from wine keys to pint glasses, he'd either borrowed from or lent to the restaurant over the years. Makar, whose lease was nearly done, is confident he'll open up another spot in the near future, but right now is the time for a bit of bittersweet reflection. It's crazy to think how dramatically the food evolved during Snackbar's lifespan, from Adams' modern-leaning small plates way back when to Taus' stylish take on the classics, with very capable chefs in between (hat tips to Josh Homacki and Dustin Shockley). I think I've personally eaten every dish that's been on every menu in that little burgundy box. So, to Jon, Michelle, Nick, Cory, Doug, Kyle, Colleen, Veronica, Lindsey, Caleb, Goody, Trevor, Paul and all the other good people who have come through Snackbar, it's been a hell of a run. See you behind another bar. To paraphrase/possibly butcher a De Niro quote I heard bouncing around the room last night, sometimes you gotta leave to come back.

barryg

Posted 2011-02-04 14:47:34

This spot would be perfect for a small arepas bar.

Tweets that mention Au revoir, Snackbar :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-04 13:18:42

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ben Kessler, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Au revoir, @SNACKBAR253. http://ow.ly/3QsWN [...]

StoopPhilly Links | StoopPhilly

Posted 2011-02-07 07:02:02

[...] Philly Post Offices Closing (philadelphiaspeaks) Au revoir, Snackbar (Meal Ticket) Speck: It's More Like âShola Olunloyo and a Series of Unfortunate Events'  [...]

Shane

Posted 2011-02-07 18:48:15

I really liked this place,I will miss it

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:47 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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Founded in October 2008, Meal Ticket is a City Paper blog about food, drink and assorted other things that make you go mmm. We do recipes, interviews, restaurant news, commentary and much more. We don't do restaurant reviews here — those are handled in print, mostly by our critic (and Meal Ticket contributor) Adam Erace. Got a tip, question, thought or concern? Just want to say hello? Please shoot a note to caroline@citypaper.net.

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