Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, the upscale luxury hotel merging French flair with American style located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia and recently named one of the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Readers 2024, is thrilled to formally announce a change in leadership with the installation of highly-acclaimed Chef Sylva Senat as Executive Chef of all culinary operations including the stylish, newly-refreshed lobby-level Liberté Lounge.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Senat is a twice James Beard-nominated chef and semi-finalist and has appeared on the popular Food Network show Chopped as well as Bravo’s Top Chef. He has held many prominent leadership roles in top restaurants in New York and Philadelphia and has worked directly under famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at multiple concepts in New York City. Senat also headed up Stephen Starr’s Buddakan in New York and Philadelphia. Senat attended the École de Cuisine Gourmets by Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon France. He also is a benefactor and patron of Careers Through Culinary Arts (C-CAP).
“I’m thrilled to take the culinary helm and put my extensive experience to work in this stunningly renovated space,” Chef Sanat said. “Our goal is to present Liberté Lounge as a stylish, enjoyable and welcoming environment for our guests; while serving as a must-visit destination and meeting place for Philadelphians — smack in the middle of Center City and just steps from Rittenhouse Square”
Senat’s arrival as new Executive Chef of all culinary operations at Sofitel Philadelphia includes a fresh take on menus throughout the venue including its breakfast/brunch concept Chez Colette, banquets and all events in the hotel’s stunning Paris Ballroom, and first and foremost, Liberté Lounge. Beginning on Friday, November 1, Liberté Lounge will launch all-new all-day dining, dinner, and happy hour menus to coincide with the recent design overhaul completed earlier this year.
Highlights from the soon-to-launch contemporary French-influenced dinner menu includes the following:
- Pikliz a Griot ($15): spicy slaw, twice-cooked pork belly
- Wild Poached Halibut ($36): parsnip purée, local apple, frisée-fennel salad, citron vert vinegar
- Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib ($38): crispy fingerling potato, natural jus, pinot noir
- Crispy Wild Trout ($32): Brussel sprouts, feuille de brick, Dijon mustard vinaigrette
- Ratatouille ($30): lace puff pastry, tea smoked, tomato broth consommé
- Butcher Cuts (served with pommes anna galette):
- Free Range Chicken Breast ($31): craft beer brine, slow roasted, natural jus, steamed haricot vert
- 16 oz Prime NY Strip ($46): sauce glacée au pinot noir
In addition, a new all-day dining menu boasts a bevy of sharable starters such as East and West Coast Oysters on the Half Shell; an artisanal Cheese Board ($18) served with seasonal accoutrements; Tartare de Boeuf ($16) comprised of filet mignon, quail egg, braised mustard seed, and toast; Duck Fat Confit Chicken Wings ($14); a mix of vibrant salads and soups including an autumnal Butternut Squash Soup ($11); as well as mouthwatering handhelds such as Liberté Burger ($22) prepared with wagyu double patties, iceberg lettuce, red onion, truffle raclette cheese, and special sauce; and Vegetables Pan Baguette ($17) comprised of roasted zucchinis, grilled piquillo, pickled onions, gigantes beans, and seeded demi-baguette. Smoked Caprese Sandwich ($15) Heirloom tomatoes, nut-free Basil pesto, fresh smoke mozzarella, balsamic reduction.
A brand-new happy hour service will launch in conjunction with the new menus, which will run Monday through Friday from 4pm – 6pm and late night on Friday and Saturday from 9:30pm – 11:30pm. Details on bar bites and discounted cocktails, wine, and brews will be made available in the coming weeks.
Reservations for Liberté Lounge can be placed via OpenTable.
ABOUT SOFITEL PHILADELPHIA AT RITTENHOUSE SQUARE:
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is a completely refreshed and renovated sanctuary of luxury and refined hospitality located in Center City Philadelphia and its bustling Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. With 306 guest rooms, an abundance of meeting space including the hotel’s Paris Ballroom, Sofitel Philadelphia provides the perfect location for exceptional business or social functions. Guests are welcomed to Sofitel Philadelphia in a completely renovated, inviting lobby area. A totally renewed Liberté Lounge provides a buzzy and stylish environment for craft cocktails and Chef’s French-inspired cuisine. Breakfast and brunch are served in the bistro-style Chez Collette. Sofitel Philadelphia is located at 120 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; www.sofitel-philadelphia.com
