Notable Chef Shola Olunloyo To Open Speck

In early fall, one of Philadelphia's top culinary talents, Chef Shola Olunloyo, will open his eagerly anticipated first restaurant, Speck (1050 Hancock Street, 215-925-9500), at The Piazza at Schmidts. Featuring progressive new American food, a carefully selected wine, beer and cocktail list and an eight-seat chef's counter for special, nine-course chef's tasting menus, Speck will offer a modern, upscale setting with comfortable indoor-outdoor seating right on The Piazza.

"I am tremendously excited to open my first restaurant," says Chef Olunloyo, who has worked in some of the city's most prestigious kitchens. "I've worked for a long time to find the right place at the right time, and when this beautiful space at The Piazza became available, I knew it was the one for me."

Named for the savory smoked prosciutto that graces a few of the dishes, Speck will offer artful dishes that will include (click for images): Razor Clams with yuzu, garlic and olive oil; Rabbit Escabeche with cauliflower, prunes and Earl Grey tea; Tomato-Almond Gazpacho with crab remoulade and tomato sorbet; Speck Wrapped Fingerling Potatoes with smoked paprika aioli; Speck Toast with poached egg and gruyere; Medium Rare Steak Tartare with olive oil and caper; Watermelon Greek Salad; Corn Soup with pickled chanterelles and pistachio oil; and Skate with Brown Butter Miso and sunchoke. The entire menu will be made up of small plates meant for sharing that range in price from $4 to $24.

"I call this food 'new American,' because that term encompasses a wealth of influences and techniques," says Chef Olunloyo. "There is no one country from which I draw the bulk of my inspiration; rather, each dish is assembled to be delicious regardless of ethnic inspiration. It's comfort food elevated to a high level."

Speck's gracious, understated decor features a neutral color palette, with natural wood tones, ebony paneling, grey fabrics and soft lighting, and provides a serene backdrop for the chef's vibrant food. A 15-foot glass fa�ade with fully retractable doors will open directly onto The Piazza, offering sweeping views of the outdoor seating areas and beyond. White, rift-cut oak floors and minimalist, museum-like details enhance the clean, refined aesthetic.

The centrally located, custom-fitted kitchen with more than 100 colorful spices perched on floating glass shelves will feature an eight-seat chef's counter for guests to enjoy Chef Olunloyo's nine-course tasting menu, prepared before their eyes. These seats will only be available online at www.studiokitchen.com, and can be reserved up to one year in advance.

"The chef's counter is a place where I can experiment, developing and nurturing ideas for new dishes," says Chef Olunloyo. "It's dining as a theatrical experience, meant to surprise and delight diners who are looking for more than just a great meal."

Guests will also find an intimate bar with 25 wines by the glass, carefully selected craft beers and creative, food-friendly cocktails. The wine and beer lists will consist of the best examples of classic varieties from their regions worldwide.

Chef Olunloyo has long been regarded as one of Philadelphia's best-kept culinary secrets; his work as a food photographer, kitchen consultant and private chef has only solidified this reputation and won him legions of fans who have anticipated his opening a restaurant for years. Speck will be a winning addition to the burgeoning Northern Liberties restaurant scene.

The Piazza at Schmidts is part of developer Bart Blatstein's 28 acre, $500 million Northern Liberties project, the country's largest private urban renewal initiative. The Piazza