When Sra. Martinez bowed out of of the Design District back in July, we knew it wouldn't be long before the space would reopen with a new concept.
Amir Ben-Zion, the man behind Gigi, Bardot, Cooper Avenue, and formerly Sra. Martinez, will be opening up South Street Restaurant & Bar, a Motown inspired, neo-soul eatery in late September.
According to the restaurant's Facebook page, Ben-Zion partnered with "lifestyle maven" Amaris Jones to come up with the menu and concept.
"Amaris draws from her own experiences of the sounds, smells and flavors of her Philly upbringing to whip up a traditionally original neo-soul food restaurant and lounge," says the Facebook page.
The restaurant promises a "pork-free, lighter fare, neo soul menu (that) will feature Amaris' beloved family recipes infused with the innovation one comes to expect from an Amir Ben-Zion venture ... Classic favorites like fried chicken, grandma's cornbread muffins and shrimp & grits will be staples on her menu along side some newly conceived standards."
A spokesperson for Ben-Zion confirms Jones will be in charge of the kitchen. As far as the price point, we're told it will be "neighborly."
In addition, the cocktail menu will be designed by Bar Lab, the same people behind the Broken Shaker.
And that's not all. Seems like music will play a big part in the restaurant -- think Otis Redding and the Supremes -- with live music and DJs being featured regularly.
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