Philadelphia Chef Brendan Smith at Lippincott House Debuts his new Catering Business

Looking for a place in Philadelphia to hold your next party, event or even a wedding? The Historic Lippincott House, which when we last visited, had become a very popular Bed & Breakfast, is now partnering with Chef Brendan Smith to host events and special occasions to which he would provide the delish food.

The kickoff party for the B. Smith Catering Company was held at the Lippincott House which lies in the heart of Philadelphia, one block from Rittenhouse Square. For decades it was a private home, but in the last year the owners, Jack Eldridge and Mary Beth Hallman,
who have been in the house for the last 12 years, decided to convert it into a Bed & Breakfast. Now they have decided to also open the house for the rental

The Lippincott House at 2023-2025 Locust Street was built in 1897 by publisher J.B. Lippincott for his daughter, Christina, who returned to Philadelphia after traveling through Italy.
Upon entering the Lippincott House, the foyer leads to a upgraded kitchen with pantry and dining room with beautiful hardwood flooring. It’s here where Chef Brendan Smith will prepare your meal. A staircase leading to the second floor is in the main foyer where you will find the living quarters. The mansion features three floors of event space, a screening room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a four-room Bed & Breakfast, and grand Victorian decor – including the original Brazilian rosewood staircase and paneling, stained glass windows and an an antique billiards table.

Chef Smith, formerly of the Kimmel Center and the United Nations, is the chef and owner of b*smiths gourmet catering as well as Smith’s Restaurant | Lounge on 19th street in Philadelphia. He has extensive experience in fine dining and events, having spent a decade with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the United Nations, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and, most recently, Smith & Wollensky. At the Kimmel Center, he was one of the first area chefs to commit to local, seasonal ingredients, a tradition he continues today.
Event menu items include seared diver scallops with English pea puree and Vidalia onion foam in spring; grilled Maine lobster with sweet corn hash and a chive buerre blanc in summer; and Bordeaux braised short ribs with roasted Yukon whipped potatoes and a Granny Smith apple reduction in winter. Chef Smith is also known for his versatility, offering event planners a wide range of cuisine and styles, including a la plancha, sous-vide and small plates. Chef Smith also is a certified sushi chef.
Patricia Jobling, Julia Somers-Morley, Photographer Susan Ryan
The house is full of treasures, including a 1660s Dutch wardrobe, antique pier mirrors, and an 1887 grand piano.
Stephanie Smith and Chef Brendan Smith

Dan and Tracey Yerkes
One of the beautifully appointed bedrooms of the Bed & Breakfast which may be available to rent in case you need it. Erin Jackson Director, Marketing & Multicultural chats with Tara Theune Davis
Choose from buffets, food stations or a seated dinner. Chef Brendan Smith will personally attend to your menu selection and catering ideas for the special event. Lippincott also offers a unique “chef’s table” event where guests can cook alongside Chef Brendan Smith in the home’s recently renovated kitchen (featuring an Aga stove). Event rentals are by the hour and begin at $250 per hour.
A carved wooden stair case with beautiful stained glass windows lead to the third floor Billiard Room. Guy Barbarulo and Tara Theune Davis admire the handiwork.
Whether you’ are celebrating life’s milestones or getting down to business, the Lippincott House offers a unique and elegant special event venue. Rooms available for rental include the dining room, parlor and conservatory and/or billiards room. We book only one event a time.

Michael DeBaecke and Joshua Valocchi (Thrillist)
Longtime friends Tara Theune Davis, Casey DeBaecke & Annie Heckenberger

Lippincott Owner Jack Eldridge and Chef Brendan Smith For information on Smith’s Catering, visit http://www.bsmithscatering.com or contact 888.399.1990 or more@bsmithscatering.com. For views of the Lippincott House, visit http://www.lippincotthouse.com.

The Lippencott House has the exclusive privilege of Chef Brendan Smith’s catering, but b*smiths can also travel to your location. Because of it’s Philadelphia base it gives them the flexibility to serve you anywhere in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware.
Event Coordinator Stephen Penwell 888-399-1990 more@bsmithscatering.com