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Matt Levin on his upcoming bistro Adsum
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Matt Levin on his upcoming bistro Adsum
Just got off the horn with ex-Lacroix chef Matt Levin, who is opening an academically-themed Continental bistro in the former Coquette space at Fifth and Bainbridge with backing from former Eagles offensive tackle and newly-minted Republican Congressional candidate Jon Runyan.
Named Adsum (Latin for "I am here"), the space will utilize colors and textures commonly found in university settings -- look for vintage chalkboard menus, Erlenmeyer flasks and sandstone lab tables sourced from an architectural salvage in New York state. Local designer Machele Nettles is overseeing the re-facing of the space, repainting Coquette's dark red walls in cream and green and tearing away the pressed tin that faced the bar to reveal white subway tile. Coquette's raw bar will become Adsum's open garde-manger station where Levin will work nightly.
Levin on his food approach:
This is how I would envision a neighborhood bistro, everything from fried chicken, a fantastic burger, a variety of vegetarian options, interesting salads and first-courses. You'll see farmers I've worked with before -- Elysian Fields lamb, D'Artagnan products, local produce. I drive past Queen Village/Southwark community garden on Christian St. three times a day; I'd like to approach them about buying some stuff.
This is a small, down-and-dirty neighborhood bistro. Before, I always cooked food that the press and Food Arts magazine wanted me to cook -- I wouldn't go out to eat the food that I was cooking before. I want good food that is delicious. I don't need 100 textures of gels. I know I can do it, but I want to make food that people can just eat, finger-lickin' good fried chicken. Just grub, eat.
Opening is predicted for May or June; Levin says "It's all based on Harrisburg. We're waiting for the transfer of the liquor license." Though Levin says he will not release a menu to the press before opening, he did mention that plates would run from $5-$22.
Sounds like Levin is trying to take on DKatz with all that fried chicken talk.
Kelly Becherer has actually been the driving force behind overall design concept and has been at Matt's and my side through the entire project. For the record. I feel it's important to mention and give credit where it is due… Thanks. :) Kar
Per Se Ad Hoc
[...] Matt Levin’s upcoming restaurant has a name, Adsum. It’s Latin for “I am Here.” Look for it to open in May or June. [Meal Ticket] [...]
Felicia: Just read your post. I am a member of the Queen Village/Southwark Community Garden. Please give Matt my email. I can get him in touch with the right people or possibly arrange for him to say a couple of words at one of our meetings. Thanks.
I passed along your email, Jared. Thanks for getting in touch.
[...] who recently walked us through their list, will host Preston Eckman (formerly of APO, now of the forthcoming Adsum, and a Malort Challenge victim); Phoebe Esmon (Chick’s Café); Al Sotack of The Franklin (also [...]
Is Adsum doing an open call for service staff soon?
[...] founder of comm-systems firm OhmComm, will officially open the restaurant (we first mentioned it in March) this coming Wednesday, July 14. Adsum (translates to “I am here” from the original [...]
I was there on Monday and the woodwork is beautiful. I love teh bar and the chalkboard on the mirror. Stunning.
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