This week, a paradise high in the sky will pop up in Philadelphia when Assembly Rooftop Lounge re-ignites its spring-time activation, The Grove.
This year, The Grove at Assembly will take Philadelphians on a journey to South Italy through taste and decor, and it all begins with a VIP event taking place this Thursday, May 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.
At the launch event, the popular Logan Hotel lounge is offering an exclusive first look at the newly decorated space (which is adorned with a Fresco-style mural, vintage vespa, dreamy lights and airy curtains) plus a chance to be one of the first to dive into the menu, with an open bar and food service that spans “refreshing citrus libations, invigorating apertifs and Mediterranean menus.”
The launch party will offer some additional activities and entertainment as well including a 360 Photo Booth, DJ, and more.
The second season of The Grove recreates an Italian coastal summertime escape in the heart of Philadelphia, the release states.
“Everything we loved about The Grove last year is back with an Italian flair,” said Nathan Ayres, General Manager of Food and Beverage at The Logan Hotel in a statement.
Ayres continued: “After watching season two of ‘The White Lotus‘, I think we were all craving an Italian villa vacation, sipping an Aperol Spritz and dining lavishly under the sun. I am thrilled to announce guests can do exactly that at season two of The Grove at Assembly, inspired by an Italian cliffside oasis fit with an Aperitivo Happy Hour.”
Food-wise, the seafood-forward Mediterranean dishes from Executive Chef Sonny Ingui offer guests a taste of Italy, the release continues.
Highlighted bites include the Lobster Roll ($21) served with chive aioli and local chips; Halibut Bionchetti Limon ($18) with Ligurian olive oil, parsley, and rucola; Salmon Fritto ($16) with Jail Island salmon, limoncello aioli, and pickled caper salad; and Oysters ($16) served with cucumber mignonette.
The Grove at Assembly is also offering some small bites in the form of Eggplant Caponata ($10); Burrata Caprese ($16); a Margherita Flatbread ($14), and more. To end things on a sweet note, visitors can also order a Rum Baba ($12) with candied mango, pineapple, and Chantilly cream; or Homemade by Bruno Gelato Pops ($8) with flavors spanning raspberry watermelon or lemon ricotta.
And what about the cocktails and that happy hour?
The drinks-menu includes the Walking in Sicily ($17) with Bahnez mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, grapefruit cordial, lime, and grapefruit; Coastal Clear ($17) with Malfy con Limone Gin, basil infused dry vermouth, lemon olio zucchero; and the Pep Talk ($17) with Tito’s vodka, Cocchi Americano, strawberry-pink-peppercorn syrup, and lemon.
And some of the establishment’s staple cocktails will also be available, including the Frosé ($17) and the new Frozen Aperol Spritz ($17) with Aperol, elderflower, orange, grapefruit, lemon, and prosecco.
And as the release finishes, in line with the Italian coastal theme, happy hour will transform into an Aperitivo Hour from Sunday to Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. in which select cocktails, wines, beers and snacks will be offered at a discount, such as a rotating daily spritz ($8), Frosé ($10), cheese ($10), charcuterie ($10), marinated olives ($4), oysters ($3/each), and more.
The Grove Season Two will be open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Walk-ins are available based on availability. Parties of six or less can make reservations online with a cover charge of $10 per person. Larger parties of seven or more can also reserve one of Assembly’s pods for a food and beverage minimum. Pod reservations can be made by e-mailing info@assemblyrooftop.com.
Tickets for the VIP Opening Party run for $100 per person and can be bought on Tock. More information is available assemblyrooftop.com
