Nineteen, Philadelphia's "highest" Restaurant To Open In February

NINETEEN, AN AMERICAN BRASSERIE

PHILADELPHIA, PA - In February 2006, Park Hyatt at The Bellevue will open Nineteen, an American Brasserie, a cafi, bar and restaurant featuring panoramic views of the city's skyline from the hotel's 19th floor at Broad and Walnut Streets. Nineteen will offer all-day dining from breakfast in the airy cafi to a relaxing dinner in Philadelphia's highest restaurant. Special features will include a circular raw bar adorned with glimmering pearl mosaic tiles, a vibrant bar area with a wood burning fireplace and, weather permitting, a beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace.



"We designed Nineteen with the Philadelphian in mind. We wanted to create a restaurant with an exceptional atmosphere and versatile menus that beckons them every day and night of the week," says General Manager Bernard Guet.



Executive Chef Richard Hebben, a classically trained chef who was recognized as one the "Top US Chefs" by Conde Nast Traveler, has created Nineteen's seasonally changing, seafood centric menu of New American dishes such as: Maine Lobster, steamed, wok-fried or grilled; Crispy Black Sea Bass, served with Kennett Square Mushrooms; Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions; and from the Raw Bar, a seasonal selection of fresh shellfish, including oysters, mussels, clams, scallops and stone crab. Entrie prices will range from $19 to $38. Desserts will include: Roasted Pear Tart, Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie and other classic American favorites.



Original, 100 year old, architectural details such as two grand rotundas with 36-foot high domes, antique mirrored ceilings, ornate plasterwork cameos and floor-to-ceiling arched picture windows will set the stage for the stylish new restaurant. To create Nineteen, Guet hired Marguerite Rodgers, owner of the renowned Philadelphia-based interior design firm, Marguerite Rodgers, LTD, well known for its award-winning hospitality designs. Rogers' contemporary design scheme is warm and inviting, but remains architecturally pure to preserve the building's remarkable historic elements.



Upon entering the restaurant, a spectacular 19' wide Italian chandelier, hand crafted with strands of pearls, will cast a warm glow over the raw bar where guests can choose from over twenty varieties of crustaceans from the Eastern seaboard. Throughout the restaurant, guests will be treated to an exceptional sound experience by Europe's Bang and Olufson Sound. A custom made carpet with platinum, limestone and sky blue tones will reflect the colors of the city landscapes that are visible from beyond the dramatic arched windows.



In the affordably priced cafi, guests will enjoy light fare, including an American breakfast table with fresh-from-the-oven pecan rolls, pastries, afternoon tea, dessert and a late night menu. A circular wooden farm table will display daily menu items. A series of intimate dining areas will be created using curved, brown leather banquettes and settees. An open pantry with rich, dark walnut cabinetry, fresh food displays and chefs busy at work will give guests a glimpse of what they are about to experience.



For guests to relax over a classic cocktail, glass of wine or craft brew, the bar will feature three alcoves, each fitted with handsome semisweet chocolate colored leather booths and backed by arched mirrors. A ten-seat honey-onyx marble topped bar, a ladder for the staff to collect the premium spirits from the highest levels, a stunning collection of art featuring Philadelphia artists and comfortable high backed chairs and sofas will create the perfect setting.



A wine tasting room, with a cork ceiling, will feature walls of temperature controlled, glass wine cabinets that showcase more than 600 bottles of New World and European wines available. Guests will be able to peruse