Drawing from his world travels and work abroad, Cherry Hill native Chef Greg Vernick (second from right) will use locally sourced products to dish up a menu of approachable, globally-inspired dishes at Vernick, opening tonight. (Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
Vernick Food & Drink from Cherry Hill native Chef/Owner Greg Vernick opens tonight, May 1, off Rittenhouse Square.
We got a sneak peek at the spot last Friday. The verdict? Pretty impressive. Here?s a quick rundown on this new neighborhood bistro:
The Inspiration
The Vernicks (Greg and his wife Julie) infused much of their observations from their travels around Europe into the restaurant. The menu reflects the sense of community engendered by European communal dining tables and shared dishes.
Chef Vernick said one of his most memorable dining experiences was an evening at a restaurant when two deuces were pushed into a four-top, conjoining two parties that didn?t even speak the same language. Through food and drink, the two pairs ended up toasting to each other, sharing food, laughing together. That?s what he wants to recreate at Vernick.
Vernick is going into 2031 Walnut just off Rittenhouse Square with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the second floor opening up over the street. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
The Decor
Vernick boasts three rooms with three different experiences: the sparse front bar area, the cozy wine-cellar-like back room and the more formal second-floor space with glass windows that open onto Walnut Street.
Framed black and white photos, taken by the Vernicks in Europe, line the walls upstairs while exposed brick mirrors the open kitchen in the back room downstairs.
Chef?s Favorite Dish
Chef Vernick?s favorite dish on the menu is the roast chicken, a whole Lancaster-sourced bird brined and prepared like Peking duck. The kitchen team is burning live wood in the oven, making for an irreplaceably authentic taste. As Greg puts it, ?Cooking with natural wood just makes things taste better.?
Another standout is the resto?s raw menu, a westernized version of Japanese cuisine in which everything is in its raw state accompanied by minimal garnish. Preview the full dinner menu, below.
Drinks
Vernick will serve homemade sodas, and both domestic and imported wines and beers including local crafts like Yards and Flying Fish.
Best Seat in the House
There?s a seven-seat chef?s counter in the back room to give diners a close-up view of the action. That room is designed for walk-ins, but we?re assured you can make a reservation specifically for the counter if you wish (and we wish).
To begin with, Vernick Food & Drink will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 4:30-11 p.m., with the team rolling out lunch, brunch and a late-night menu in the coming months.
Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut Street
www.vernickphilly.com
An intimate, rustic dining room with exposed brick walls and a seven-seat chef?s counter will give diners a close-up view of the open kitchen and custom-built wood-burning oven. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
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