Christopher Lee looking to Philly for seafood spot

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Christopher Lee looking to Philly for seafood spot

POSTED: Friday, December 24, 2010, 3:00 PM

Filed Under: Chef Salad | Openings

chefchristopherlee.com

In a Dec. 22 Q&A with Zagat, Christopher Lee (soon-to-be-former exec chef at NYC's Michelin-starred Aureole) teased that he'd been poking around Philly for spaces for a seafood concept he plans on pursuing after he leaves Charlie Palmer's company at the end of the year. When we ended up at the same table as Lee during Bistrot La Minette chef/owner Peter Woolsey's Dec. 22 dinner at the James Beard House (more on that awesome meal next week), we couldn't help but ask about it. Lee, who knows Woolsey from his days at Striped Bass, says he's in the very early stages of space-hunting, exploring Center City and Old City for real estate (Second/Chestnut and Ninth/Chestnut were two intersections mentioned by name). Lee likens the concept to an upscale, whole-fish-on-ice Greek seafoodery (think Estia), but with a distinctly American focus and an elaborate raw bar. No name for the restaurant yet, and all Lee will share in regards to an target opening is "2011." When we mentioned that Stephen Starr, Lee's former employer at the Bass (now Butcher & Singer), was working on a seafood concept called Route 6 (at 600 N. Broad), Lee cracked a smile. "Next time you talk to Stephen," he said, "tell him I'm coming to Philadelphia to open a seafood restaurant."

barryg

Posted 2010-12-24 11:33:18

Soon, all the Lee's in NYC will come to Philly instead.

barryg

Posted 2010-12-24 11:33:35

er, Lees.

Tweets that mention Christopher Lee looking to Philly for seafood spot :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2010-12-24 14:13:46

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jason Malumed, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Former Striped Bass chef Christopher Lee, who's about to leave NYC's Aureole, working on a seafood restaurant for Philly: http://ow.ly/3u2bg [...]

Colinthechef

Posted 2010-12-24 18:40:55

Good to see Chris Lee back, he was great st Washington Square and unbelievable at Striped Bass, let's see if Philadelphia is ready!

jaded chef

Posted 2010-12-26 13:50:53

Meh-New York can keep Mr. Chicken Broth, we're all good down in Philly, thanks.

cleevus

Posted 2010-12-28 13:33:22

who cares  guess being buried in a city of great restaurants took its toll on captain ego.  lets not forget how he basically walked out of striped bass with his key players.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Dec. 20-24 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-12-27 12:20:26

[...] place like Di Bruno's for the holidays• City Paper/GoTime launch Happy Hour Guide, mobile app• Christopher Lee looking to Philly for seafood spot• IN PRINT: City Paper Food and Restaurants, Dec. 23• New Year's Eve at Cafe [...]

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