Top Dish – Tuna Tartare, Wonton Cup, Ponzu Sauce and Wasabi Lime Aioli
Bottom Dish – Bibb and Endive Salad, Chive Ribbon, Roquefort Cheese, Red Onion, Spicy Cashew and Red Wine
Take the boss to lunch for a fabulous meal at a killer price… check it out!
PHILADELPHIA – At Rittenhouse Square’s first bistro and sidewalk café, Rouge (205 South 18th Street, 215-732-6622), Executive Chef Matthew Zagorski recently unveiled an affordable new option for lunch, “Choose Two” dishes for $16. Guests can either select from classic Rouge lunch items such as sandwiches and large salads or from the “Choose Two” section comprised of smaller versions of some of the chef’s most inspired creations, allowing guests to customize their two-plate lunch experience. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 4 pm.
“Our ‘Choose Two’ lunch menu allows guests to do just that: choose any two items, all of which are sized to share and taste, and create a satisfying lunch for themselves,” says 28-year-old Chef Zagorski.
“Choose Two” selections are available for $16 per two items. Although they rotate frequently to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients, choices may include: Acorn Squash Soup with allspice foam; Rouge Burger, a 3 oz. version of their famed cheeseburger with Grueyere, caramelized onions and pomme frites; Smoked Salmon BLT, on toasted pumpernickel with tomato, smoked bacon, romaine, horseradish and potato gaufrettes; Short Ribs with white bean ragout and braised cabbage; Pan Seared Scallop with caramelized cauliflower, spinach, Granny Smith apples and sweet vermouth sauce; and daily changing House-Made Pasta with red wine-beef Bolognese, basil, lemon, oregano and parmesan.
Traditional lunch plates are also available, and range in price from $10 to $17. Recent offerings have included: Fried Organic Goat Cheese with roasted red pepper salad, micro greens, aged balsamic, olive oil and sunny side up quail egg; Mini Frittata with Canadian bacon, goat cheese, chives and potato hash; and Chicken Sandwich with Bibb lettuce, tomato, grilled red onion, smoked cheddar and honey mustard on onion ciabatta with pommes frites.
The restaurant’s signature Rouge Burger has garnered a slew of national press; GQ cited it number four on their “20 Burgers You Must Eat Before You Die,” and Oprah featured it on her show as among the best burgers in the country. On February 19, Chef Zagorski will compete against other ‘best burger’ contenders at the Amstel Light Burger Bash, hosted by Rachel Ray, at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami.
“We want our guests to be able to enjoy our famous burger, but also sample some of our other world-class plates,” says Chef Zagorski. “Offering a multitude of choices is the best way for me to make sure that there is something at Rouge for everyone, and not just a dazzling outdoor cafe and sweeping views of the Square.”
With its decadent jewel box decor that features sheer curtains, a white marble topped bar and a gorgeous reverse painted mirror a la Gustav Klimt, Rouge has set the tone for dining on Rittenhouse Square since opening in 1998. Husband and wife owners Maggie and Rob Wasserman’s commitment to quality ingredients and great preparation has reinforced the restaurant’s status time and time again as a destination for a truly standout meal. Rouge is the Square’s original dining destination and the 60-seat bistro remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its ambiance, food and dazzling park-side dining.
Rouge is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 4 pm. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (215) 732-6622.
