Michael Solomonov's newest project, K'Far, is now open in Rittenhouse Square, and it's home to one of the most creative beverage programs in the city. Philadelphia is no stranger to innovative cocktail programs, but K'Far is setting a new standard by focusing their new menu exclusively around one concept: vermouth.

The list, which ranges from $8 to $12, includes familiar varietals like Carpano Antica (Italy) and Dolin Rouge (France) alongside harder to find vermouths like Quintinye Blanc (France), Priorat Natur Vermut (Spain), and Caperitif (South Africa). You can get any of these neat or over ice with soda water, or you can go all out and "make it a K'far" by adding your favorite vermouth to an Americano (+$1), a Negroni (+$2), or a Manhattan (+$3).

Of the vermouth program, bar manager Alex Savana says, "the vermouth section in our beverage menu has quickly evolved into an expansive list, coming from France, Spain, Italy, and even California. You have the option to drink your classic Americano, choosing your own vermouth, to eat with your smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel. You can also sample a vermouth flight to accompany your 3 course meal."

Live Action (Arak, vodka, Maurin Quina, sour cherry, cardamom).

Beyond their vermouth program, they have a creative cocktail menu which utilizes innovative ingredients like arak (a Lebanese anise-flavored spirit) and vegetables like celery, as well as an innovative wine list, you can explore vermouths from around the world, ranging from sweet to dry.

Revolver (Quintinye Bianco, Cremant, Salers Gentian, basil).

"We wanted to have a low proof beverage program that would coincide with our light, bright, all day cafe," says Savana. "K'Far's lighter, vermouth-centered program provides a complement to our sister restaurant Abe Fisher's darker, amari-focused program. I think it's really special to have a place you can go to during the day, enjoy one of our Revolver cocktails or our Yemenite latte, and go about your errands or other plans."

Take Me Back (cognac, white wine, celery, chartreuse).

The all-day cafe has already gotten rave reviews for its sandwiches and pastries, all of which were created by Zahav pastry chef Camille Cogswell (who won a James Beard Award in 2018 for her baking skills, alongside Zahav's newly minted Best Restaurant award). 

 One other cool feature at K'Far is their exclusive partnership with Ox Coffee, a local roastery. K'Far only uses Ox's coffee beans and blends, and even utilizes coffee in some of their cocktails. Per Savana, "the partnership with Ox coffee emerged organically since they are right down the street from Zahav. We love to be able to support and highlight other local business. Of course, it made sense to create a cocktail that incorporated Ox coffee — Turn the Table [pictured below] is one of my favorite cocktails. If you can't decide between a coffee or a cocktail, this is a great one to sip on."

 

Turn the Table (rye, Campari, Bonal, coffee).

 

Next time you're in Rittenhouse Square, be sure to stop by K'Far for breakfast or lunch (dinner service will arrive soon), and don't overlook their bar; pull up a seat and try a new vermouth from halfway across the world.

 

Photos via Drink Philly