Fish chef Stollenwerk resurfacing in Old City
26 North will be a seafood-focused BYOB serving many of his Little Fish and Fish favorites.
Chef Mike Stollenwerk - one of Philly's most visible seafood restaurateurs before stepping out of the scene a year and a half ago - is returning to the ownership game.
Stollenwerk is building out 26 North BYOB at 26 N. Third St. in Old City, due to open in November. It's across the street and just up the block from Bistro 7.
The menu at 26 North won't be 100-percent seafood, though it will include Stollenwerk's greatest hits from the shoebox-size Little Fish, which was named Bon Appétit magazine's third best place to eat seafood in the USA after his 2007 takeover, and Fish, which had two incarnations in Center City over its wild three-year run. (Little Fish, which has since moved, is owned by chef Chadd Jenkins.)
26 North's interior looks sharp in an industrial, Old City chic sort of way, with exposed brick walls, slate tile floor, white subway tiles, reclaimed wood, and marble eating counter. There will be deuce tables and banquettes for larger parties.
Stollenwerk himself is a sight, as he has dropped about 140 pounds in the last couple of years through a healthy diet and sessions of Thai boxing.
26 North will run lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. Dinner entrees will be in the $20s.
