The team behind P.J. Clarke’s has just opened a new concept in the city, but fans don’t have to venture far to check it out.
Dubbed Rockwell & Rose, this fresh spot is located just steps away from Clarke’s in The Curtis Building, and focuses on gourmet cuts of steak and fresh seafood fare alongside an inventive and seasonal bar program.
“Rockwell & Rose has been a personal dream of mine for several years,” says P.J. Clarke’s General Manager, Tim Killeen. “We are looking to create a new offering for all the neighbors around and above us that we call our family and friends. We want to tempt new faces across the city and the region to not only visit our part of the city and its historical treasures, but to stay here and enjoy a great meal after.
“We want to create a new kind of steakhouse, not just a special occasion hotspot that comes and goes in a flash. Yes, you better believe we will be a terrific place to mark life’s big milestones, but we also want to be where locals stop before the theater, where locals go with our out-of-town family members after the Liberty Bell, and where guests come after their long day to feel appreciated and to feel special — absolutely no special occasion needed.”
Rockwell & Rose takes nods from its neighboring spot, P.J. Clarke’s, in keeping old school Americana as its focus. But it takes on a more sleek and eclectic vibe for a steakhouse with a large and expansive dimly lit dining room (and a spacious bar) and a brighter front dining area with an impressive view of Washington Square. There’s also a room available for private dining, and a portion of the space that was part of the original Norman Rockwell Museum.
The atmosphere sets the stage for the menu, which has everything you’d expect on a steak and seafood locale, but with a little more variety than normal—and that’s welcomed. The staple favorites come in the form of an assortment of meats (think an NY Strip, Dry-Aged Bone Ribeye, Lamb Chops, and even a Porterhouse for two), plus, an array of enhancements spanning cognac cream, tellicherry peppercorn crust, Danish blue cheese brûlée and more.
Some inventive items span the “Freedom From Want,” which they say is “Thanksgiving our way,” made up of white and dark meat turkey rolled porchetta style, sourdough stuffing, sweet potato, Thea’s cranberry and pan gravy; a Pear & Gorgonzola pasta dish with gorgonzola reggiano cream and walnuts; and a Poached King Salmon with Thai chili, miso and crispy sushi rice. Everything is meant to be elevated and interesting. So here, you don’t just get a crab cake dish, you get a crab cake dish paired with an “Elote” style slaw.
The locale also utilizes options from its raw bar, and takes on a smattering of sides, which include bites like lobster mac n cheese, Roxy thick cut bacon and sweet chili glazed brussel sprouts. The sweet finale to it all comes in the form of their Monkey Bread (served with a bourbon caramel), S’mores Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie Brûlée, and mountain-high Grasshopper Baked Alaska.
The kitchen overall has an emphasis on seasonality and locality, and the restaurant chooses to work with local meat/seafood vendors, as well as outsource their bread and ice cream production to local Philadelphia brands.
Killeen and Michelle Zarallo will oversee the bar program, which features eight taps (with beer, cider and other offerings), a vast wine assortment selected by a Sommelier, and cocktails that “focus on quality first.” The latter features tipples like The Autumn Stroll (Teremana blanco tequila, lime, pear, Cointreau, agave and cinnamon syrup), the Man on the Moon (Bluecoat gin, italicus, lillet blanc and fee foam) and Grandma’s Chine (Four Roses bourbon, black tea, lemon, peach Schnapps and honey.) Rockwell & Rose will also offer different soft drinks and mocktails on its opening menu, as well as a Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday.
“Our aim is to create a 5 day a week crew who you know and who knows you when you come in,” finishes Killeen. “As the motto says: Come in once, we will know your name; come in twice, we will know your order; come in three times, and you’re family.”
To find out more information on Rockwell & Rose (601 Walnut St.) rockwellandrose.com
