178863 Sun Apr 28 11:00:20 -0700 2002 10 15 Pennsylvania 0 962131 Yesterday we had a second fabulous meal at Studio Kitchen. What a find for gourmet chows who like an adventure. We discovered it through this review in the City Paper:http://www.citypaper.net/articles/111501/eat.food.shtml The chef/owner is Shola Olunloyo who previously worked at Le Bec Fin, Deux Cheminee and Blue Angel. Shola is planning to open a restaurant later this year and is expermenting with menu/recipe design through the studio. Shola serves a private dinner one group of eight in his studio loft in west philly. He is open three nights a week. It is BYO. The cost is $50 per person (cash only) for a four course tasting menu. The menu is designed by Shola. We arrived at 7:30 and ascended the steps (not for the handicapped) to the loft. The walls are lined with various food items from beautiful cookware, cookbooks, recipes, serving items and supplies. In the center of the studio is a beautifully set table. Shola selected some lovely classical music which was playing in the background. Our group chatted over an apertif while exploring the studio. Around 8:00 we sat and were served the first course of Scallop Tartare, Fennel-apple salad with lemon miso vinaigrette. The combination of flavors were total heaven. My husband (who doesn't even like scallops)loved it. The next course was an organic spinach salad with goat cheese, applewood smoked bacon in an herb vinaigrette. One of our party declared this the best salad he had ever eaten. The third course was a roast lamb loin with butternut squash, peach chutney and basil vinaigrette. Again the combination of flavors was incredible. I can honestly say that I have not had a better main course anywhere including some top restaurants in France. For dessert Shola served a chocolate souffle with buttermilk sorbet and espresso sauce. We then had coffee and our dessert wine. One delightful aspect of the experience is watching Shola assemble our courses in front of us. Shola is an interesting person who obviously loves food and enjoys talking about the preparation. The number for studio kitchen is 215 662-1074 and the email is studiokitchen424@aol.com. Sun Apr 28 11:00:20 -0700 2002 0 Jo 1 962133 I saw something about this on TV a little while back and it sounded intriguing. Your meal sounded fantastic and I'd love to try it. But, must you make reservations as a party of eight? Or can you make a reservation as a couple and then he stops taking them when he reaches eight people total? Thanks. Sun Apr 28 15:21:12 -0700 2002 962131 0 David De Silva 2 962134 Hi David, My understanding is that it must be a party of eight, perhaps he would accept a party of 6. He definitely wants an even number of people. He has three dinners a week, one on the weekend either Friday or Saturday and the rest during the week. The weekends book up way in advance but I think he has openings on weeknights. Sun Apr 28 15:41:39 -0700 2002 962133 0 Jo 2 962140 David: Do you REALLY think you'll have trouble finding 6 other Chowhounds to join you and your wife ;o)? I'll volunteer right now, but I don't think this will be tough. I'm feeling faint just reading the descriptions of the food! If it's anything like it's been described it really *is* the best kept secret in town. I think I may have read something about this awhile ago and just sort of stashed it in the mental Rolodex. This would be a great special occasion idea for a small birthday or anniversary celebration, or actually any excuse would do! Bring it on and let me know when the reservation is :o)... Mon Apr 29 00:15:23 -0700 2002 962133 0 Katie Benes 3 962142 If anyone needs an extra couple, I'm available!!! Mon Apr 29 10:21:54 -0700 2002 962140 0 SG 4 962148 Ditto, anytime anytime at all. Mon Apr 29 14:25:16 -0700 2002 962142 0 Rich Pawlak 5 962149 I already emailed privately to David. But it sounds like a great time. Let's see: David, David's wife (I am so bad with names, sorry), Katie, Rich, SG, Lisa (my wife), me. That's 7 already. Anyone else? Mon Apr 29 16:02:02 -0700 2002 962148 0 mattylip 6 962157 Hi - I'm a Chowhound lurker, haven't made it to any of the events yet, but I'd love to try this Studio Kitchen sometime...doesn't sound like it has hit the mainstream yet. --Chris Tue Apr 30 10:41:24 -0700 2002 962149 0 CookieG 6 962171 Matt - If you're still at 7, I'll make 8. It'll be a Manila Bay mini-reunion. Charlie Thu May 02 10:02:19 -0700 2002 962149 0 Mummer 5 962160 Sounds like a great idea, and I'd love to do it. I suspect we may wind up with enough people to do more than one set of 8. Tue Apr 30 22:19:55 -0700 2002 962148 0 saucyknave 3 962143 If anyone needs an extra couple, I'm available!!! Mon Apr 29 10:25:56 -0700 2002 962140 0 SG