
Sofia’s, or at least the forthcoming East Passyunk Avenue restaurant’s “phase one” pop-up preview, will begin seating guests on New Years Eve. We told you last week that New York export, and former Striped Bass chef Christopher Lee is behind the reboot of the once lukewarm neighborhood spot known as Salt + Pepper, and the re-do would come in two parts. First with a pop-up — happening, sort of, now — and then an official opening in late-winter 2013, after interior renovations are complete. For New Years Eve, Lee, his chef de cuisine (and right-hand at Striped Bass) Oris Jeffers, and partner Joe Massara are offering several options for revelers.
Seatings between 6 and 6:30 p.m. will feature a four-course dinner beginning with champagne that will cost $45. A later seating, at 9 p.m., will also includes the four-course menu, plus party favors, and a digestif in the lounge. That one’s $75 per person. Both will have a wine pairing option for an additional $25. A bar-only package will also be available for $35, and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to midnight. Check out what’s being served on New Years Eve, plus the dinner and bar menus below.
New Years Eve 2012
1st Course - choice of
Arugula & Fennel Salad
Parmesan Cheese, Pears, Almonds, Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Or
Parsnip Soup
Braised Short Rib, Crispy Horseradish, Celery Leaves
2nd Course - Choice of
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts Leaves, Cider Brown Butter Sauce
Or
Seared Diver Sea Scallops
Cauliflower, Capers, Kumquats, Local Honey, Verjus
3rd Course - Choice of
West Coast Halibut
Little Neck Clams, Leeks, Baby Turnips, Fine Herbs
Or
Grilled Aged NY Strip Loin
Creamed Spinach, Fingerling Potatoes, Brandied Peppercorn Jus
Dinner Menu
1st Course
Arugula & Fennel Salad
Parmesan Cheese, Pears, Almonds, Pomegranate Vinaigrette 11
Parsnip Soup
Braised Short Rib, Crispy Horseradish, Celery Leaves 10
Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio
Black Truffle, Pickled Onions, Roasted Garlic Crème Fraiche 15
Seared Diver Sea Scallops
Cauliflower, Capers, Kumquats, Local Honey, Verjus 14
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts Leaves, Cider Brown Butter Sauce 12
2nd Course
West Coast Halibut
Little Neck Clams, Leeks, Baby Turnips, Fine Herbs 27
Grilled Branzino
Baby Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, Yuzu, Soy Dashi Broth 26
Herb Roasted Organic Chicken
Potato Puree, Glazed Carrots, Pearl Onions, Natural Chicken Jus 24
Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Cranberry Beans, Tuscan Kale, Mission Figs, Aged Balsamic 25
Grilled Aged NY Strip Loin
Creamed Spinach, Fingerling Potatoes, Brandied Peppercorn Jus 31
Bar Menu
Steamed Mussels with Saffron Tomato Broth 10
Pastrami Pork Belly Sliders 8
Grilled Goat Cheese Wrapped with Prosciutto 9
“Sophia’s” Meatballs with Cheesy Polenta 7
Tuna Tartare with Kimchi and Shallot Ginger Dressing 14
Trio of Dips ~ Black Bean, Spinach, Wild Mushroom 12
Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple and Tandoori Sauce 13
Braised Short Rib & Bone Marrow Flatbread Pizza 11
Baked “Cavatelli & Cheese” with Pancetta 9
“The Burger” with Aged Brie, Arugula, and Special Sauce 15
Artisan Cheese Selections with Seasonal Garnishes 12
Earlier: Sophia’s Will Be the First of Several Restaurants Christopher Lee Opens Here