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In another surprise move, the two former lead chefs of Restaurant Aleksandar tell Eater Philly they will now head cuisine at The Avery — a total rebrand of the now-defunct concept Eleven Social in Old City.
Montana Houston, 28, will be the executive chef of The Avery and Ja’mir Wimberly-Cole, 24, will be their chef de cuisine. The major rebrand comes after former co-owner Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins dropped out of the project, while other backers still stayed committed to seeing the deal go through.
Located at 117 Chestnut Street (the former 2nd Story Brewing Company), Eleven Social was focused on contemporary New American cuisine with an upscale sports bar vibe.
Now, The Avery plans to be more ambitious at the same location, culinary and vision wise.
“We’re focusing on seasonal American cuisine made with the finest ingredients and expert techniques,” Houston says on the new direction. “Our menu features both à la carte options and a hyper-seasonal tasting menu, all served with genuine, warm hospitality. We are committed to a blend of outstanding service and culinary excellence to create a dining experience that is unique, timeless, and extraordinary, in line with the Avery Restaurant Group’s mission.”
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“A visit to the late James Kent’s Crown Shy in NYC demonstrated that it’s possible to offer this level of excellence on a larger scale,” says Wimberly-Cole on what’s inspiring him in developing this new restaurant. “My goal is to bring this elevated dining experience to Philadelphia.”
Beyond the bold culinary aspirations, AnnaLisa McDonald, the bar manager of The Avery, is enthusiastic about what the new restaurant overall will mean to the city.
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“We are a collective of young professionals dedicated to redefining the dining experience by merging bold, innovative gastronomic and craft cocktail creations with the elegance of traditional fine dining,” McDonald says. “Rooted in the city where my journey began, I am committed to reigniting the excitement of adventurous flavors and daring combinations.”
The Avery is slated to open late September/early October at 117 Chestnut Street in Old City.
