Vernick

Vernick Food & Drink Restaurant
2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (267) 639-6644 | vernickphilly.com/
open Tuesday-Sunday 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM dinner 4:30 PM to 1:00 AM bar

Located in the Rittenhouse Square section of Philly, Vernick, named for Chef and proprietor Gregory Vernick, uses locally sourced ingredients to create this modern American cuisine restaurant. The drinks featured are some of the best in the city and Vernick also features some homemade sodas and other refreshing beverages such as lemonade which are certainly worth a try.  I must comment here on the Pimm's Cup--certainly the best in the city.  The Dandelion's rendition of the Pimm's cup had been reigning supreme until now.  Award for best Pimm's Cup in the city--Vernick.

We were seated in a sunny upstairs dining area with beautiful open air windows out onto the street. Ethan was our server and he was prompt, unobtrusive and professional.  He catered to our every need and was knowledgeable and accessible.

Vernick's rendition of the Pimm's Cup: Pimm's #1, vernick lemonade, mint. Vernick makes its own lemonade and it tasted divine.

jack rose in honor of ‘the society’ applejack, lemon, house grenadine, peychaud’s

We started dinner with a wonderful amuse bouche.  Light biscuit with a chilled soup.  Very tasty.

tuna poke, macademia nuts, sweet soy. Poke is just another word for raw tuna. It was delicious. Perfectly seasoned and much better than ahi tuna or ceviche. This was quite a treat.

This is arctic char, crispy skin, dill. Not one of my favorite dishes of the evening partially because the fish tasted too close to Sashimi-- kind of bland, tasteless. The char was interesting and crunchy though not very well seasoned.

fromage blanc, pickled cherries. Fromage blanc (also known as maquée) is a fresh cheese originating from the north of France and the south of Belgium. The name means "white cheese". It was served with olive oil and bread and tasted amazing.

peach and lamb confit salad. Confit is a French method of cooking that bakes meat slowly in fat. This fatty lamb combined with the delicious in season peaches made for a sweet, succulent aftertaste that was accented by the mixed vegetables served with the dish.  Outstanding dish here.

This was a delicious palate cleanser prior to our main course.

pork blade steak, glazed radishes and plums, plum mustard. One word: fantastic. The main course was outstanding and was served with mixed greens which accompanied well.

The mixed greens.

berry rhubarb crisp. cream cheese gelato Stand back because this dessert will make you want to have your cake first. Unbelievable finish to a meal.  It was pretty consistent too throughout the courses that there was quality, presentation, and overall great taste to almost all the dishes.  I personally didn't care for the arctic char but that is just because I tend to shy away from sashimi dishes. Consistent quality and service.   Highly recommend this restaurant.

Of Note:

A contemporary steel cabled staircase leads to the second floor.

The serving island on the second floor.

The downstairs bar area.

Clean restroom facilities.

An open kitchen layout gives diners the opportunity to observe food as it's prepared as well as the staff preparing it.

View of the open kitchen area.

Overlooking the first floor from the staircase leading to the second floor and balcony area.