friday field trip

On one of the really hot weekends this summer, I had some time to kill wandering around Center City, Philadelphia waiting for my daughter to finish classes (yes, she attends class all through the summer)…I thought I would visit the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton so I could AGAIN check out 10 Arts (…how many visits would qualify as an obsession?). I always hope, somewhere in the back of my mind, that I will run into Chef Ripert on what, I assume, is his occasional visit to Philly.

My daughter attends school in Philly and one of my ‘Philly goals’ has always been to dine at 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge. This is Eric Ripert’s restaurant. You probably know of four star Chef Ripert because of his fame with Le Bernardin in New York City…how could you not? That, and the fact that he is, um…how should I say it…gorgeous! (Honestly, there is no way around it!)

10 Arts is in a magnificient location – in the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Center City. Because the building was a bank at one time, it

has some really cool features. The interior is mostly marble…I have heard the kitchen is too, although I haven’t seen it for myself.

Anytime I am in Center City, I stop in, look around (aka gawk) and talk to some of the staff.

Photo of lunch, 10 Arts style

A photo of dessert at 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge in Philadelphia…frozen snickers.

If you follow Food Network or the cooking shows (like you know I do if you have been reading my blog), you may know that my favorite former Top Chef competitor, Jennifer Carroll was selected by Chef Ripert to lead his kitchen at 10 Arts after she served as sous chef at Le Bernardin. It has been reported that Jen, a Philadelphia native is soon to open a restaurant of her own at 33 Greenwich Avenue in New York City…I bet the Philly fans are disappointed she didn’t stay local! I would be! But now I will be closer to where she will be creating her food and I plan to visit her restaurant, especially since I haven’t yet gotten the chance to meet her.

So enjoy the photos of 10 Arts and, if you are ever in the area, be sure to stop in. I plan on spending my daughter’s graduation dinner in those beautiful surroundings! And, I hope to visit Jen’s restaurant in NYC soon and I will share that with you when I do.

Thanks so much for visiting. Have a great weekend, Jackie