The Fat Ham, Chef Kevin Sbraga’s big follow up to his self-titled restaurant on Broad Street in Center City, opens Friday, December 6. The new Southern-styled spot replaces the short-lived Tria Wine Room at the Left Bank near 3131 Walnut St.

For inspiration, the Top Chef champ and Willingboro, NJ native traveled all over the Southern countryside, taking in all the sights, sounds and authentic tastes the South has to offer in the run-up to The Fat Ham’s big debut.

What he drew from these research expeditions materializes in the form of the vast array of rustic, homespun gegaws like the mismatched glasses, tableware, chairs, and artwork that dress the restaurant and bar’s setting.

As you can gather from the name, the menu is big on pig. Sbraga’s plates explore the many possibilities presented by heritage breed porkers with things like pepper-crusted bacon served with quail egg, coffee and arugula; pigs feet accompanied with smoked gemelli pasta and tomato gravy; and a ham board with hams, pates, and pickles. Other, not-so-pork centric dishes offered include Smoked Lamb Belly with cola sauce, green beans, and tomatoes; and Southern Hummus with boiled peanuts, and toasted peanut oil.

Meanwhile over at the bar, The Fat Ham’s head bartender Anwar Morgan developed a collection of cocktails that draws heavy on Southern drinking traditions. That means an emphasis will be placed on bourbon and other American whiskeys.

Two large wooden casks on the bar will hold barrel-aged beverages like 3131, rye, Averel, Dolin sweet vermouth, and bitters; and the Boulevardier, bourbon, Campari and Dolin sweet vermouth. There will also be several cocktails on tap, like a classic Old Fashioned, and the Open Door, gin, Aperol, and Dolin blanc vermouth.

Additional cocktails include: Montgomery Mule, vodka, peach infused vodka, lemon juice, and ginger beer; Fat Ham Smash, gin, peach preserve, peach bitters, lime, raspberries, and cranberry juice; and The Fat Apple, hard cider, apple cider, and ginger ale.

Along with these and other cocktails, The Fat Ham will have a selection of rotating seasonal craft drafts, and extensive bottled beer and wine lists.

The Fat Ham will serve dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:00 – 11:00 PM.

The Fat Ham, 3131 Walnut St., 215-735-1914, www.fat-ham.com

Photo: Sbraga Dining