Restaurateur Stephen Starr will open Parc on Sunday, July 13 in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. Parc recreates the French bistro experience with a chic Parisian ambiance, authentic French cuisine and a magical je ne sais quoi. Parc calls to mind memories of meals past -- buttery croissants and flirtatious cappuccinos; rose champagne and oysters.

Starr's first new restaurant in Philadelphia since October 2004, Parc will charm Philadelphians and pay tribute to the romantic French cafe culture. This stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, making it an ideal destination for a quick bite or leisurely meal.

Says Starr, "Rittenhouse Square calls to mind the many parks of Paris, offering the ideal setting for a French bistro. We've brought together authentic food, decor and design to recreate the bustling bistros of France right here in Philly. And what could be better than dining outside overlooking the park?"

Designed by Shawn Hausman (The Standard Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, The Standard Hotel + Spa Miami, Continental Midtown Restaurant and Bar in Philadelphia), Parc is the great bistros of France incarnate. Together, Hausman and Starr sourced a variety of fixtures directly from Paris antique shops and flea markets -- seeking out specifically those items once present in bistros of yore. Reclaimed millwork -- doors, wall panels, moldings -- from shuttered Parisian restaurants grace the interiors while a 50-foot hand-crafted solid zinc bar -- few of which exist in the United States -- focuses the room. A diverse array of photos and antique fixtures add to the transporting environment.

The aroma of freshly baked breads -- from baguettes to brioche -- fills the air as one enters the casual front room clad in hand-laid Parisian tiles in shades of ecru and green. Red leather banquettes flanked by frosted glass offer subtle intimacy, while well-worn wooden chairs, reclaimed bistro tables and mahogany paneled walls give the room a sense of place. The more dressed up dining room provides a slightly more sophisticated experience while maintaining the energy and emotion of a bustling brasserie.

The French-born Chef, Dominique Filoni (Savona and Bianca in Pennsylvania, The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC) has created a menu of classic bistro favorites from Salade Lyonnaise with warm bacon vinaigrette and poached egg, Escargots served in their shells with hazelnut butter, and a Crispy Duck Confit with frisee salad and pickled chanterelles. Entrees include Boeuf Bourguignon with fresh buttered pasta and Steak Frites with peppercorn sauce as well as a variety of Plats Du Jour such as a seafood-rich Bouillabaisse on Fridays and a sumptuous Coq au Vin perfect for Sunday night suppers.

To pair with Chef Filoni's menu, Wine Director Jennifer Andrews and consultant Marnie Old have developed an extensive list of European grape varietals from both French and American producers. The wine list will include approximately 160 bottles, with 20 selections by the glass.

Cocktails bend toward the classics, and include La Tomate, a bright and sweet combination of Ricard and cherry syrup; the traditional blend of bourbon, fresh lemon juice and casanis liqueur for Le Serazac; and l'Amonde, a refreshingly fizzy cocktail of Ricard, almond syrup and seltzer.

In addition to his ambitious bread program, Pastry Chef Frank Urso will create a number of beautiful and familiar Parisian-style pastries including Paris-Brest, Macarons and Napoleons all interpreted with a nod to this century. All baked goods will be available for purchase when the Parc retail bakery opens later this year.

Whether considered a bistro, brasserie or restaurant, Parc is Stephen Starr's interpretation of a bustling, animated, appealing French restaurant where great food, wine and conversation is available any time of day.

Parc seats 185 in its two dining rooms, 24 at the bar and 75 along the awning covered sidewalk terrace.

ABOUT STARR RESTAURANTS

Founded in 1995 by Stephen Starr, Philadelphia-based Starr Restaurants is one of the fastest growing multi-concept restaurant companies in the country. Starr Restaurants include Buddakan, Morimoto, The Continental, Barclay Prime, Striped Bass, Continental Mid-Town, El Vez, Jones, Alma de Cuba, Pod and Tangerine in Philadelphia. In 2006, Starr Restaurants successfully launched two restaurants in New York City's thriving Meatpacking District: Morimoto, designed by Tadao Ando, and Buddakan, designed by Christian Liaigre. Later that same year, Starr Restaurants opened Buddakan and Continental restaurants in Atlantic City, NJ. In 2008, Starr Restaurants introduced Starr Events, a full-service, upscale catering and special events division. Most recent projects include Parc in Philadelphia as well as Teplitzky's and Chelsea Prime at the Chelsea in Atlantic City. Both are scheduled to open summer 2008. Stephen Starr has earned numerous awards and accolades, and was named "Restaurateur of the Year" by Bon Appetit magazine in 2005 and Zagat Survey New York City in 2007. Starr also received TimeOut New York Readers' Choice Award for "Best New Out-of-Town Restaurateur" in 2007.

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