Sofitel Philadelphia offers Philadelphians a chance to indulge in French culture and cuisine, and so much more.
There’s a lot that is new and refreshed about the 17th Street hotel this spring, from its freshly-designed lobby area to it’s anticipated debut of Liberté Restaurant and Liberte Lounge. And all the excitement is happening after a massive redesign and refurnishing in time for Sofitel’s 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee celebration in June. Diners can currently taste all of Liberte’s new menu now, with Sofitel’s ribbon cutting for its new Francophile restaurant coming in May.
“Philadelphia has been a hub for French culture and architecture since the 1800’s as it began as a safe haven for expats from the French Revolution,” said Sofitel GM Pierre Jotterand. “Thanks to Parisian architect Paul Philippe Cret, Rittenhouse Square resembles Paris and its gardens with classical entryways and stone additions, intricate railings, and delicate fountains. And anchored by Sofitel and numerous French restaurants, the ‘French Quarter’ was officially designated by the city in 1999, a tribute to the French culture that shaped Philadelphia.”
Sofitel Philadelphia’s $5 million renovations to the first floor features a new restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as a fresh lobby design that adds light and air to Sofitel’s design.
“The newly-refreshed public spaces of Sofitel are meant to transport you to a decadent enclave,” said Jotterand. “Sofitel’s new design is a union of two contrasting periods to create dynamic, unique stylistic tension — picture delicate, intricate detailing, meeting bold contrast and monolithic massing.”
As for its Liberte restaurant and bar, the space has been moved from its past location (the wall on the first floor) to its new, bright, bold window-view along Samson Street, and expanded into 108-various-style seating. There, Liberte offers the look of “eased edges, organic shapes, and plush furniture” to further the new Sofitel’s sense of relaxed cool. And with a new restaurant, you’re going to need a new chef with a new menu — welcome Executive Chef Seth Fannin, whose credits include working at the Paris Bally’s and Wynn resorts in Las Vegas.
“Chef Seth has the delightful task of infusing local classics with all things-French,” said Jotterand about Fennin’s distinctive new, locally-themed creations. Take, for example, the Croque Monsieur Philadelphia with shaved ribeye, sharp provolone and caramelized onions, and totems of American dining like burgers with fries and turkey club sandwiches, “harmoniously paired” with traditional French delights like Salade Niçoise and Pâté de Campagne.
“Our goal is to imbue every dish ay Liberte with a dash of French zest and Philadelphia charm, creating a truly unique culinary experience,” stated Jotterand.
The goals of the refreshed Sofitel and its new Liberte restaurant – among other spaces at the hotel in May – is, according to the new GM, to enhance the senses while utilizing a variety of tastes, textures, lighting, and architectural elements in order to transport visitors to a familiar destination without enveloping them in a singular era.
These new elements set the stage for Sofitel Hotel to celebrate its 60th anniversary in Philadelphia in June with a visit from its longtime CEO, Maud Bailly.
“This is going to be an exclusive event featuring tantalizing bites from our fresh Liberte menu, live music, captivating presentations, and plenty of surprises in store,” said Jotterand.
For additional information, visit sofitel-philadelphia.com
