Philadelphia: Bar Ferdinand

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Bar Ferdinand
July 24, 2006
By: Ken Alan
kalan@aroundphilly.com

Though many Philadelphians may not know the name Owen Kamihira, they will surely recognize his designs: those giant green martini olives skewered with toothpicks at The Continental, the hallowed bronze god surveying his grand and communal scene at Buddakan or, on a more modest note, the sleek runway-inspired dance floor at Zee Bar.

All those years of designing concepts for other restaurateurs has definitely rubbed off on Kamihira, who recently opened his first restaurant, Bar Ferdinand, at Liberties Walk. Unlike some of his other dramatic turns, the designer offers an affordable and casual neighborhood tapas spot, an all-Spanish wine list and a stunning yet not-too-dear atmosphere to house it all.

The long wrap-around bar features intricate Moorish designs. In the dining room, a gorgeous antique gold leaf vaulted ceiling is accented by a stunning, iron clad, candle chandelier. Yet the centerpiece here is most notably chef Blake Joffe, a Michelin two-star trained talent who has done turns at Stephen Starr's Alma de Cuba, El Vez and The Continental.

Taking its cue from Jose Garces' white-hot Amada in nearby Old City, Bar Ferdinand's tapas menu is extensive; one choice nibble is an empanada of puff pastry filled with dates, bacon and cream cheese. Another is Joffe's slow-fried pork bocadillo, a sandwich slathered with Mahon cheese, mustard, roasted peppers and onions.

The marinated dishes are especially tempting. Try the Mariscos - tangy shrimp, mussels, calamari, cockles and monkfish. Or, any one of the seven cold or twelve hot tapas dishes, then wash down accordingly with something special from the copious wine, beer and cocktail menu. Menu items range from $3 to $9.

And so, a dream has come true for a man who has brought such beauty and taste to so many other dining operations in Philadelphia. Now, this master of design has hospitable and stylish digs to call his very own.

Open seven nights a week, 4pm to 2am; Bar Ferdinand, 1030 N. Second St., Philadelphia, 215.923.1313; www.barferdinand.com

Previous "'Burbs" Articles:
The 'Burbs: Best Italian BYOs
The 'Burbs: Cooper's Brick Oven Wine Bar
The 'Burbs: Fitzwater Station
Review: Duling-Kurtz House
The 'Burbs: Hana

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