Look Who's Popping Up

Sofia’s Pop-Up Preview Taking Reservations For New Years Eve

Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee Photo: Patrick McMullan

Sofia’s, or at least the forthcoming East Passyunk Avenue restaurant’s “phase one” pop-up preview, will begin seating guests on New Years Eve. We told you last week that New York export, and former Striped Bass chef Christopher Lee is behind the reboot of the once lukewarm neighborhood spot known as Salt + Pepper, and the re-do would come in two parts. First with a pop-up — happening, sort of, now — and then an official opening in late-winter 2013, after interior renovations are complete. For New Years Eve, Lee, his chef de cuisine (and right-hand at Striped Bass) Oris Jeffers, and partner Joe Massara are offering several options for revelers.

Seatings between 6 and 6:30 p.m. will feature a four-course dinner beginning with champagne that will cost $45. A later seating, at 9 p.m., will also includes the four-course menu, plus party favors, and a digestif in the lounge. That one’s $75 per person. Both will have a wine pairing option for an additional $25. A bar-only package will also be available for $35, and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to midnight. Check out what’s being served on New Years Eve, plus the dinner and bar menus below.

New Years Eve 2012

1st Course - choice of

Arugula & Fennel Salad
Parmesan Cheese, Pears, Almonds, Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Or

Parsnip Soup
Braised Short Rib, Crispy Horseradish, Celery Leaves

2nd Course - Choice of

Butternut Squash Ravioli
Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts Leaves, Cider Brown Butter Sauce

Or

Seared Diver Sea Scallops
Cauliflower, Capers, Kumquats, Local Honey, Verjus

3rd Course - Choice of

West Coast Halibut
Little Neck Clams, Leeks, Baby Turnips, Fine Herbs

Or

Grilled Aged NY Strip Loin
Creamed Spinach, Fingerling Potatoes, Brandied Peppercorn Jus

Dinner Menu

1st Course

Arugula & Fennel Salad
Parmesan Cheese, Pears, Almonds, Pomegranate Vinaigrette 11

Parsnip Soup
Braised Short Rib, Crispy Horseradish, Celery Leaves 10

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio
Black Truffle, Pickled Onions, Roasted Garlic Crème Fraiche 15

Seared Diver Sea Scallops
Cauliflower, Capers, Kumquats, Local Honey, Verjus 14

Butternut Squash Ravioli
Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts Leaves, Cider Brown Butter Sauce 12

2nd Course

West Coast Halibut
Little Neck Clams, Leeks, Baby Turnips, Fine Herbs 27

Grilled Branzino
Baby Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, Yuzu, Soy Dashi Broth 26

Herb Roasted Organic Chicken
Potato Puree, Glazed Carrots, Pearl Onions, Natural Chicken Jus 24

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Cranberry Beans, Tuscan Kale, Mission Figs, Aged Balsamic 25

Grilled Aged NY Strip Loin
Creamed Spinach, Fingerling Potatoes, Brandied Peppercorn Jus 31

Bar Menu

Steamed Mussels with Saffron Tomato Broth 10

Pastrami Pork Belly Sliders 8

Grilled Goat Cheese Wrapped with Prosciutto 9

“Sophia’s” Meatballs with Cheesy Polenta 7

Tuna Tartare with Kimchi and Shallot Ginger Dressing 14

Trio of Dips ~ Black Bean, Spinach, Wild Mushroom 12

Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple and Tandoori Sauce 13

Braised Short Rib & Bone Marrow Flatbread Pizza 11

Baked “Cavatelli & Cheese” with Pancetta 9

“The Burger” with Aged Brie, Arugula, and Special Sauce 15

Artisan Cheese Selections with Seasonal Garnishes 12

Earlier: Sophia’s Will Be the First of Several Restaurants Christopher Lee Opens Here

Sofia’s Pop-Up Preview Taking Reservations For New Years Eve