A Taste of European Nightlife in Philadelphia
Hawthornes Restaurant Group Opens Grace and Proper, a Euro-Bar in the Italian Market
Hawthornes Restaurant Group announced the long-awaited and much-anticipated grand opening of Grace and Proper at 941. S. 8th Street in the Italian Market.
This new project came after eight years in the making when Chris and Heather purchased the building which originally opened in the 1920’s as G.T. Manlio Drugs. After falling in love with the location, they worked to restore and celebrate the vintage charms of the old-time pharmacy while breathing new life into the building..
Grace and Proper now boasts original features such as high tin ceilings, exposed brick, and hexagonal mosaic tile. And for anyone looking to enjoy a little time outdoors, the venue also features a beautifully shaded outdoor seating area that perfectly mirrors the alfresco charm found in the Cobblestone streets of Europe.
"We are very proud of the space. We are so happy to bring a dilapidated old building into the new world. It has been a true labor of love to bring it all to life, and the results keep getting better and better the closer we get to open,” stated Annechiarico in a press release.
In order to restore the building and turn it into a swanky vintage Eurobar, the husband and wife duo Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico teamed up with their long-time Operations Director Susan Freeman.
"Our approach to hospitality is something we are really proud of. We have taken our industry experience and thought outside the box to create something truly unique for Grace and Proper. We can't wait to introduce our concept and vision to the community," said Freeman.
This new bar will join their other concepts that include Hawthornes, WineDive, Sonny's Cocktail Joint, The Rabbit, Tio Flores, and Quick Sip. Grace and Proper is where friends, neighbors and visitors will gather for bottles of great wine, crusty bread and butter, cold beers, bifanas, and technique-driven cocktails. Whether it’s evening bites and sandwiches to espresso shots and weekend pastries, Grace and Proper aims to be a favorite for locals and repeat guests, as well as those making it a date night and destination. Through thoughtful curation, sourcing and dedication to vibrancy in simplicity.
While the Portuguese-inspired food will surely entice locals and visitors to grab a bite to eat, the cocktails and wines will surely bring in star-ratings with the latest addition to Philadelphia’s vibrant bar scene.
Fetfatzes said, "Whether you're into perplexing orange wines, or French sauvignon blancs without the price tag of Sancerre, we have a friend to introduce you to."
The signature cocktail list marries exceptionally well-crafted, yet underutilized Portuguese ingredients with the singularly American culinary tradition of mixology. Madeira, ginjinha, brandies, port and Carcavelos meet clear ice, saffron infusions, emulsion syrups, 24k gold garnishes, white truffle, and house bitters. The drinks are designed to evoke images and tell stories, sometimes even jokes. Spiced with this creativity, elevated by quality ingredients, and restrained through elegant simplicity, bartenders will off libations that surpass their descriptions but not one's budget. Signature cocktails will range from $10-$14 with the majority at $12. While prices may be going up locally and nationally, with cocktails locally going up to $16 to $18 a selection, Grace and Proper will offer exceptional drinks at accessible prices.
As for the menu that Grace and Proper offers, guests will find olde world European fare with inspiration from the owners' favorite corner cafes found in Lisbon, San Sebastián, Naples and Marais.
"We have a passion for salt of the earth food traditions, and there are few places quite like the Italian Market that allow for a space for such things to be celebrated," said Freeman. "We believe we nod to the italian market with our space, but we add to the options that are already available with unique takes on iberian classics."
Some of the elevated and crave-worthy menu offerings to try are their Meatballs (Blackberry Romesco and Burrata $14), Bifana (Pork Loin, Garlic & White Wine, Bock Mustard, Pao de Agua $6), Tomato Pinsa (V-Pinsa, Oven Dried Tomato, Tomato Pulp, EVOO,Arugula Salad $9), and Conservas (Smoked Mussels at Market Price).
If you would like to visit Grace and Proper, their opening hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00pm to Midnight, Friday and Saturday from Noon to 1:00am, and Sunday from Noon to Midnight. Grace and Proper is closed on Tuesdays to the public, but bookable for private and special events. Interested parties can contact Ryan Rayer, General Manager, at 610-291-5758 or via e-mail at: ryan@graceandproper.com for more information on hosting a private event. For all other inquiries, please visit www.gracenandproper.com and follow them on social media at @graceandproperphilly.