This weekend, soon to open restaurant Townsend will be opening its doors for a sneak preview of what’s to come. Diners will be able to sample the new bar menu, along with a special selection of wines by the glass, craft beers, and original cocktails. From 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday night and 12 Noon to 10 PM on Saturday, guests are welcomed to join in the special preview of Townsend Restaurant.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard news of Chef Wentz’s secret signature project, but luckily Drink Philly was able to get some exclusive details of what to expect from the newest restaurant addition to the flourishing East Passyunk Ave neighborhood.

What we already knew is that joining Wentz in his venture is Lauren Harris, an accomplished GM and Sommelier we’ve written about before. The newest info we’re excited to share is that Keith Raimondi (formerly Lemon Hill, Village Whiskey) will be joining the team as Head Bartender and cocktail creationist. Speaking of the cocktail list, Raimondi states:

"The cocktail list will consist of a mix of both classic and original cocktails. They will be smart (meaning not overly complicated) but really interesting and will change seasonally. Like both the food and the wine, they will be a very personal reflection on how we like to drink along with what fits best for Townsend and our guests."

Here’s a look at the new cocktail list for this weekend:

Pimms cup
pimms, beefeater, lemon, soda

Rye buck
rye, ginger, lemon

Turf Cocktail
Plymouth gin, dry vermouth, maraschino, absinthe, orange bitters

King Cole
Old Grandad bonded, fernet, Demerara (essentially an old fashioned with fernet)

Negroni
gin, vermouth, bitters

When speaking with General Manager and Sommelier Lauren Harris, it is easy to see her care and excitement for the wine program.

“Most of the wines are passion projects crafted by families who grew the grapes and took thoughtful measures to sustainably farm and produce honest wines. Everything about Townsend is personal for us, we've poured our hearts and souls into every aspect of the guest experience, so naturally it seemed appropriate to select wines with the same hallmark.“

Harris, formerly of Tria and Twenty21, is no novice to crafting an excellent wine program. She served as the assistant sommelier and beverage manager at Twenty21, director of education at Tria, and sommelier at Astral in Australia.
 

Selection of wines by the glass this weekend:

White
Jacquere, "Cuvee Gastronomie" Jean Perrier et Fils, 2013 (Savoie, France)
Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Guillaume Cabrol, 2012 (Languedoc, France)
Catarratto/Grecanico "L'Isola dei Profumi" Alcesti, 2012 (Sicily, Italy)
Chardonnay, Charles and Charles, 2012 (Columbia Valley, Washington State)

Red
Merlot/Cab Sauv/Cab Franc, Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Les Gravieres de Brandille, 2010 (Bordeaux, France)
Cinsault/Grenache/Syrah, "Mon Bon Plaisir" Domaine du Chapitre, 2012 (Rhone, France)
Garnacha, "Vinas Viejas" Bielsa, 2012 (Campo de Borja, Spain)

As for the food menu, Chef Wentz says it wil be focused on modern french cuisine and will be “wine driven food.” Expect a well balanced and masterfully executed beverage program, with thoughtful and refined service in a comfortable atmosphere.

“We wanted to create a menu for the bar, in addition to our dinner menu being offered, that would enhance the relaxed atmosphere while complimenting some of the French fare we'll be serving in the dining room.”

Guests will have a chance to taste food from the following bar menu at Townsend this weekend.

Bar Menu:

Beef Tartare $12
Bone Marrow Tartine, Shaved Idiazabal, Cressonette

Foie Gras Mousse $13
Quince Marmalade, Grilled Bread

Broiled East Coast Oysters w Fennel $12
Spinach, Bacon, Pernod Cream

Warm Spring Vegetable Salad $10
Ramps, Favas, Artichokes, Lardons

Marinated Hamachi $11
Cucumber, Sesame, Lime, Cilantro, Furikake

Grilled Asparagus $10
Farm Egg, Piment d'Espelette Hollandaise
Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Pate de Campagne $10
cornichon, grilled bread

Cheese Plate 3 cheeses with Accoutrements $14

Townsend Restaurant is scheduled to open its doors full time to the public May 1, 2014.
(Townsend Restaurant, 1623 E Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148. 267-639-3203)

 Photos by Drink Philly

Add to Calendar 2014-04-26 5 PM 2014-04-26 10 PM 15 Townsend Restaurant Opens Doors This Weekend For Sneak Peek With Bar Menu, April 25-26 false YYYY-MM-DD
Event Date: 04/26,04/27
Event Time: 5 PM - 10 PM
Price: PAYG
Type: Beer,Cocktails,Dinner,Food,Wine