The last time we spoke, exclusively, to Fork/High Street on Market/ a.kitchen + bar owner and operator Ellen Yin, she wasn’t doing so hot.
The flavorful neighboring hot spot next to her dark, tony Fork space in historic Old City – the long-heralded High Street on Market – was on red alert as its rental prices were raised substantially by the address’ landlord, hiked to an amount that pushed Yin’s High Street off Market. For all of her and her staff’s sadness, Yin had hope (and knowledge) that a “relocation,” for her High Street was imminent.
“We are looking to make an immediate, but temporary move to a space that can house our bakery,” Yin said back in July’s last week. “There is so much unknown about the future, it is unlikely to be as large as space as our 308 footprint. But High Street itself will probably remain about the same size.”
We couldn’t speak with Yin, yet, as she’s busy getting it ready, but that “relocation” is here: the newly–renamed High Street Philly opens its doors on October 9 at 101 South 9th Street (between Chestnut & Sansom Streets) in Washington Square West from 11 am to 8 pm.
Opening Friday in its “refreshed model” form, somewhat different from High Street on Market’s all-day cafe concept, High Street Philly will specialize, solely on takeout and delivery, fresh grab-and-go options and extended catering programs, all with a major focus on its beloved bread program. What is most interesting for those who like to dine in (like me and my buddies) is that, in the near future, Yin and her people claim that High Street Philly will host private dinner parties for up to 6 guests in its newly renovated, intimate retail space.
Plus, anyone who loved High Street’s mix tape-like collabs, fear not: their opening weekend features Washington DC’s Rose’s Luxury popping up in the new Wash West location with its “Rose’s At Home” dinner boxes. Starting Saturday, October 10 from 2 to 5 PM, High Street begins serving as a monthly pick-up location for Rose’s two-night, three-course, easy-to-assemble dinner boxes for two ($90 per person). Head Baker Alexander Roman will create special breads to accompany each night’s meal kit for an additional $14. Available in limited quantities, you can pre-order it HERE.
Okay, High Street bread. People kill for High Street bread. Firstly, their long-fermented bread made from local grains will be the basis for Chef Christina McKeough sainted sandwiches such as Pastrami on Rye and Roast Pork along with newcomers such as Banh Mi served on Head Baker Alexander Roman’s spelt baguette with a choice of grilled chicken, or Philly tempeh. And yes, High Street recently remade its sourdough pizza program just in time to make Angry Crab Pizza, Spicy Jimmy pie, must-tastes that now travel to its new location. To go with all that expect Elaine Bennis-big salads and handmade pastas including Black Pepper Bucatini Carbonara and Paccheri Mushroom Bolognese on the new menu.
I’ve said enough. I’ll have Ellen Yin in soon to discuss High Street Philly. For now, enjoy the fleeting few photos and the still building website.
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