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10 Mar 2018

Old City Philadelphia dining expands with opening of Ben Franklin-inspired french bistro and aged spirits & cocktail bar

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March 10, 2018 Category: Local Posted by:

Chez Ben, an all-day French bistro and coffee bar concept led by Chef Paras Shah, shares a storefront with M. Brown’s, a moody, aged spirits and cocktail bar.  M. Brown’s inventive small plates artfully accompany the lounge’s signature aged spirits to create an elevated experience that is driven by the idea that everything gets better with age. Both Chez Ben and M. Brown’s feature engaging views of historic Independence Park and are soft opening on March 16th, 2018, joining Philadelphia’s internationally-acclaimed dining scene.

“Behind every successful restaurant is a dedicated team ready create a memorable dining experience. At Chez Ben & M Brown’s, we will create this experience with both great food and detailed service, all with a personal connection,” stated Michele DiPietro, General Manager. Chef Paras is “excited to have guests enjoy food that is grounded in modern French technique and honors local products.”

Chez Ben is inspired by its namesake, Ben Franklin.  He was not only an inventor, writer, and statesman, but a dedicated Francophile, intoxicated by Parisians’ joie de vivre.  In this spirit, Chez Ben is an all-day Bistro serving playful French classics with contemporary flair. Menu features include a raw bar, tarte flambées, mouthwatering entrées like roasted blood orange duck breast with sunchokes, and classic moules frites with white wine and garlic.  As befits a proper French establishment, Chez Ben offers an extensive by-the-glass wine selection, aperitif cocktails, and more. Chez Ben’s convenient coffee and juice counter offers the local neighborhood all-day, grab-and-go offerings including buttery, locally sourced pastries, fresh juices and smoothies, and a bespoke coffee and espresso program from Philadelphia’s own La Colombe.

M. Brown’s will be a moody, retro-contemporary spirits and cocktail bar with a focus on aged brown spirits and inventive small plates. Sip and savor with relaxed, whiskey-wise service in a smart, charismatic environment with a menu that goes beyond the classics. Offerings span the decades and the globe, from classic and signature cocktails and single barrel bourbons to Japanese whiskeys. An inventive food offering includes scotch cured salmon tartine and merguez sliders.

Both locations will officially open to the public on March 16th, 2018 and will be located at 401 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more information on hours of operation, please visit https://www.chezbenbistrophilly.com/  and https://www.mbrownsbar.com/.

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