Philadelphia

Top Chef Winner Kevin Sbraga’s New Restaurant; Also Today’s His Birthday & last month’s I Went to His Special Dinner at The Azalea Restaurant

January 25, 2011 by HughE Dillon

Last month I was invited by PR Jaimi Gordon and AJ Williams III, General Manager of the Omni Hotel at Independence Park to dinner at their fine dining facility Azalea with special guest Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga (Happy Birthday today)
“We invited Chef Kevin Sbraga to debut his restaurant menu and take over Azalea because we are all big fans of Bravo’s Top Chef and were cheering for him throughout the season. Knowing that he did not yet have his own place to showcase his talent we thought why not let him use our restaurant for the night,” explained AJ Williams III.
Chef Kevin Sbraga took over the kitchen and created a menu and wine pairing event that showcased his love of simple, yet elegant dining. “My restaurant is going to reflect how and what I like to eat. I want to create a restaurant where people feel as though they are at an intimate dinner party and enjoying the freshest and finest menu that changes seasonally,” he explained.

He’s found the spot for his restaurant, but the ink isn’t dry yet so mum’s the word from me. But he did tell The Feasts Collin Flatt and I that he was looking in the Midtown area when we were all at the Top Chef All Star’s viewing party at 10 Arts in December.
I had my first taste of Sweetbread’s at this special dinner; oh and Squab too. Tastes like chicken, and delicious Salted Caramel Pot de Creme which would be great in a six pack for take out.

Dinner was delicious, he was humorous and personable and I can’t wait for his restaurant to open. The Azalea Restaurant is beautiful, it was the first time I was there. I hear they have a killer brunch, I’ve been meaning to go back.