Center City Philadelphia is home to some of the nation’s best restaurants and one of those is Serafina, located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square in downtown Philadelphia. Serafina may be among many great dining options, but it is the only one with a secret weapon-Chef Tony Clark. 
International Italian restaurant chain, Serafina, proudly welcomed Chef Tony Clark into their family of restaurants in April 2012 .Tony Clark is a critically acclaimed master of his trade, having worked in the highly respected kitchen of the Four Seasons Philadelphia, trained in foreign countries such as Thailand, starred on hit cooking shows such as Chef’s Kitchen and the all new television series Rock Star Kitchen, and last but not least, is owner of Cape May’s very own Old Grange Restaurant. We asked Tony what makes him a great chef and he simply said “I love to cook”. Clark respects food for what it is and the flavors it produces, and “treats a tomato for what it is”, honoring the flavors and abilities of each ingredient results in extraordinary flavorful dishes. It’s this beautifully simple and restrained approach to cooking that only comes with the experience and expertise of your field, and Clark has mastered both with passion as his driving force.
[box] “I’m passionate, I’m everyday” Clark[/box]
Philly Happening Editors recently had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Chef Tony Clark and spoke with him about what makes Serafina different from the long list of restaurants in Philadelphia, as well as what brought him to their kitchen.
“It’s a happening place” Clark said, “it’s alive; it’s kicking, it has a living vibe.” You can’t help but notice the warmth and welcoming feel that everyone at Serafina exudes, from the hostess at the door greeting guests as they enter, to the servers and even kitchen staff. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. Offering both plush semi-circular booths and spacious dining tables to a long, solid wood L-shaped bar and plenty of outdoor seating, Serafina is a perfect fit for all ages. This Center City restaurant also boasts a fantastic second floor banquet space for private events, ideal for graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, and corporate events.
It doesn’t go unnoticed that family is an important component to the success of the Serafina Restaurant chain and their twelve international locations. “It’s all about one restaurant, one team, one family,” stated Chef Clark when we asked what interested him in joining Serafina’s team. “Serafina is 12 restaurants strong and they have built their reputation on what they do and their family.” This deep rooted love for food and family flows through the veins of the kitchen, chefs and staff members of the, directly into your bellies, leaving you full, content, and satisfied, until your next visit.
Clark recounted his earlier experiences with Serafina owners, Fabio and Vittorio, and the day he first cooked for them. Like an episode of hit series Chopped, Clark was asked to cook the brothers lunch with whatever ingredients he found in the walk-in and kitchen pantry. Being ever good on his toes after years of cooking for high profile celebrities such as, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, multiple US Presidents and many more, this was no challenge for Clark. Chef Clark presented multiple dishes to his soon to be bosses; among them were a delicious seafood soup and homemade raviolis. From that point on started a wonderful working relationship that has brought new life into Serafina Philadelphia.
AMAZING FOOD!
Being fortunate enough to sample many of the freshly cooked-to-order entrées of the Serafina menu, it is without hesitation that we unanimously suggest the specialty thin crust pizzas, tender mussels, handmade tiramisu and uniquely flattened chicken breast paillard. Each of these entrees is carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients and Serafina’s own fresh pastas.
Of course, inquiring minds want to know if Chef Clark will be putting any of his classically French trained culinary twists on the menu, with which he replied “I respect their dishes and just make sure it’s done perfectly.” However, you can try some of his own Italian inspired chef specials if you’re looking to venture off the classic Serafina menu.
Serafina Philadelphia
130 N. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-977-7755 CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PHOTOS OF SERAFINA – Courtesy of JC Sager Photography
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