Ember & Ash is known for its hearth-driven kitchen, using an open-fire method to serve the East Passyunk area fresh and unique choices for over four years.
But the “old-world styled” locale has now undergone some changes with husband-and-wife team/owners Scott and Lulu Calhoun launching a New American gastropub vibe with some global influences at this popular spot (“effective immediately”).
As Chef Scott Calhoun notes in a news release, this isn’t just a refresh for the restaurant and the menu, but a statement about what live-fire cooking should be in Philadelphia. The new concept will see a menu that is full of char, smoke, and deep, flame-kissed flavor with a playful edge, from a burger kissed by the fire before landing on a toasted sesame bun, to a smoked chicken that’s glazed with spicy-sweet heat.
The menu at Ember & Ash now features dishes like charred steak frites, handmade pastas, the fan-favorite whole beef shin (now served with lettuce cups, rice noodles, sesame and peanuts) and much more.
“The menu isn’t tied to one cuisine. Rather, it pulls from inspirations from anywhere flavor lives, from classic gastropub comfort food to bold Asian influences. Expect the unexpected,” Scott explains.
Philadelphians can also anticipate recipes close to Lulu’s heart (similar to the venue’s annual Lunar New Year specials) like dumplings and other Chinese recipes that come from her grandmother. Ember & Ash is also bringing back brunch service on Sundays (for the first time since 2021) with early dish options spanning grilled French toast, a grain bowl, Caesar salad, steak frites, a breakfast sandwich and much more.
“We wanted to create a place that feels exciting without the fuss,” added Lulu. “We want to be a spot where you can settle in, order another round, and forget what time it is. Philly has an incredible restaurant scene, and we are grateful to be part of it.”
The release also notes that Ember & Ash will continue with its seasonal cocktail program which highlights “bold and balanced” drinks to match the depth of the fire-cooked dishes. The restaurant’s well-known pickle beet martini and charcoal old-fashioned will remain on the menu, and new cocktails will hit the scene as well as a deep lineup of beer and wine on tap. As always, Ember & Ash will continue to have a major focus on zero-proof cocktails.
“Our plan is to serve big, bold, flame-kissed food that is meant to be devoured,” Scott said. “Our 8-foot hearth is the heart of it all, fueling an inviting space where guests can pull up a barstool for a quick drink just as easily as they can settle in for a long night and a big meal by the fire. This place was always meant to be fire, flavor, and a damn good time, and now it actually feels like it. The food isn’t trying to be one thing – it’s just big, bold flavors we love, cooked over fire, and meant to be shared.”
With the updates also comes fresh hours: The restaurant’s new schedule is 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (kitchen open until 9 p.m.), Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight (kitchen until 10 p.m.), and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find out more information about Ember & Ash (1520 East Passyunk Ave.), visit emberandashphilly.com.
