The Philly dining scene is one of the most vibrant in the country. It pulsates with life, ranging from the highly sophisticated to the underground cool of a secret spot. The greatest restaurant experiences find a way to fuse disparate elements into something entirely unique. Four local hospitality professionals are preparing to usher in the next can’t-miss concept; a genre-hopping eatery called Banshee, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The latest project from Shawn Darragh, Ben Puchowitz, and brothers Kyle and Bryan Donovan will be opening at 1600 South Street and comes with considerable pedigree. Their collective talents pull from Cheu Fishtown, Bing Bing Dim Sum, Nunu, Contra, and Wildair among other esteemed restaurants.
Banshee promises to be its own distinctive entity, however. The menu will adhere to no one cuisine, though a premium will be placed on seafood and vegetables. Guests will be able to enjoy housebaked bread alongside dishes like prawn skewers with tamarind glaze and passionfruit semifreddo with burnt pineapple jam.
Bryan Donovan, who will be in charge of Banshee’s kitchen, offers this insight into the restaurant’s fare: “There’ll be a lot of technique, but it’s not going to be fussy or use a lot of expensive ingredients.”
And the atmosphere for this eclectic menu? The owners want it to be a welcoming spot for the entire community. Darragh describes it, saying: “We’re trying to carry over that neighborhood spirit but take it a step further — maybe a little more refined but still fun.”
A precise opening date is not yet available, however Banshee is aiming for a late summer debut.
