Restaurant M: Contemporary Cuisine In A Historic Setting

RESTAURANT M: CONTEMPORARY CUISINE
IN A HISTORIC SETTING

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Tucked away behind the architectural crown jewel of the city's post-revolutionary war era, Restaurant M offers guests sophisticated, contemporary cuisine in a gorgeous setting at 225 South Eighth Street. The restaurant, which overlooks a "secret garden," is situated at the rear of the Reynolds-Morris House, a superb example of Georgian architecture that was originally constructed in 1787. Today the Colonial-era home, now the Morris House Hotel, offers fifteen guest rooms and extended-stay suites that combine an intimate sense of luxury with history.
"We like to think of ourselves as one of the city's few true boutique hotels," says co-owner Michael DiPaolo who transformed the landmark building into a sophisticated hotel in 2004 with his partner Gene LeFevre, and opened Restaurant M in Spring 2006. "To complete the experience, we've created a comfortable restaurant with inspired cuisine."
From bustling Eighth Street, guests pass through a wrought iron gate onto a brick footpath to arrive at a secluded courtyard Restaurant M shares with the hotel. In the garden, guests can enjoy wine and cocktails before dinner, or dine al fresco, weather permitting. Through the restaurant's entrance guests will find a cozy 10-seat bar, which offers small plates, a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, exceptional wines and a tempting array of signature cocktails. Just past the bar, the welcoming dining room awaits dinner guests. White table linens and large paintings set the room's mood.
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, Executive Chef David Katz creates a wondrous selection of dishes that are primarily American, but hint at classic French and contemporary European influences. While the menus changed frequently, some of Chef Katz's recent creations include: Seared Scallops, with roasted beets, hearts of palm and vanilla bean vinaigrette; Potato Gnocchi, with spicy wild boar ragu; Soft Baked Atlantic Cod, with brandade, baby spinach, littleneck clams and parsley jus; Sautied Boneless Lamb Rack, with saffron braised endive, olive stuffed medjool dates and black pepper jus; and Organic Poussin, with caramelized brussel sprouts, bacon, chanterelles and mustard sauce. Prices range between $9 and $31.
At just 30 years of age, Chef Katz, a rising star on the nation's culinary scene, has 16 years of restaurant experience, including notable stints at prestigious restaurants such as Plump Jack and Balboa Cafi in Squaw Valley and Salt and Lula in Philadelphia. Chef Katz draws on his Moroccan and Jewish roots as inspiration of his impressive menus.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Morris House Hotel and Restaurant M are stunning examples of early American architecture. The cozy boutique hotel offers an authentic colonial setting that transports guests to another time while pampering them with modern amenities and all the comforts of home. Originally constructed in the years immediately following Revolutionary War, the Morris House Hotel features tastefully appointed rooms, some of which include kitchenettes, luxury baths and vibrant dicor.
For more information about The Morris House Hotel or Restaurant M, please call 215.922.2446 or visit the website at www.morrishousehotel.com.