You already know about Chops, preparing to open at the former Oceanaire on Washington Square (2/12).
Cast your gaze across the way to the Curtis Center on the north side of the square, where about April 12 there will be a new wine/whiskey bar called Cooperage.
Owners are Joe Volpe and Jen Kremer. Volpe, a longtime Philly caterer, owns Cescaphe Ballroom in Northern Liberties. Two years ago, he also began catering at the Curtis Center. In an arrangement with the office building's owner, each weekend Volpe and his crew transform the Curtis' 12-story atrium as well as the foyer beside the Tiffany "Dream Garden" glass mosaic into a setting for weddings and parties. (Disclosure: This was the venue for my wedding last summer.)
Volpe and Kremer, a sommelier who previously worked at Parc, are taking the center's Seventh and Sansom Street corner.
Kremer says she'll keep her wine list small, ever-changing and eclectic. Thirty whiskies, four local drafts, plus Kremer's homemade limoncello.
Cooperage's 30-seat square-horseshoe-shape bar and bar area will be on one side, with a small cafe on the other side, with soups, salads, and grab-and-go.
Cescaphe executive chef Justin Weathers will oversee. Here are the menu and the bar menu.
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