DaVinci and Yu Grand Opens on East Passyunk Becoming Philly’s Only Italian Asian Fusion Restaurant
Have you ever had a hard time deciding on whether to eat Italian or Asian food? Well, why choose? Chef/Owner Marc Grika presents a brand new Italian-Asian fusion fine dining concept that blends together flavors, textures and techniques from both cultures into a unique culinary adventure not seen before in Philadelphia.
From Flannel’s Southern casual charms to now DaVinci & Yu’s fine-dining vibe, Chef will take inspiration from trips abroad and create an all-new global dining destination nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s most celebrated food scenes.
DaVinci & Yu was born out of an epiphany. Back in August, Chef was at an Asian restaurant with Italian influences, in Rome, next to the Spanish Steps and his mind was exploding while eating combinations that his American Chef’s mind had never contemplated. Each course was better than the next and he was now open to an entirely new array of ingredients that seamlessly blend together to form a new synergistic cuisine.
Chef will bring his interest and passion for both cuisines together – along with his experience from his youth at Mezzaluna/Mezzanotte in Philadelphia and his later work in great Italian restaurants Cafe Fiorello & Trattoria dell’Arte in Manhattan.
“It’s a thrill to bring this menu home back to Philadelphia and East Passyunk Avenue.”
Dishes will cover Italian styles from Trentino-Alto Adige to Sicily and beyond, to Asian flavors from Korea to Japan to Philippines and beyond. Signature dishes on the opening menu will include Black Cod Dumplings, Aran-Sushi Trio (arancini meets maki rolls), Chinese Eggplant Flatbread, Cacia E Pepe Miso, Italian-Asian Wedding Ramen, Sea Urchin Pasta with Calabrian Chilies, Duck Meatballs Over Udon Noodles, Adobo Stinco, Orange Chicken Parm, Black Sesame Tiramisu, Tofu Flan with Goghujan Caramel and more.
Along with the new menu comes an all new menu of cocktails, wines and beverages, plus a redesign of the restaurant interior with custom bold artwork, new lighting and decor, and the addition of a full size wood covered bar that seats twelve.
Marc said:
DaVinci & Yu was born out of an epiphany. Back in August, I was at an Asian restaurant with Italian influences, in Rome, next to the Spanish Steps & my mind was exploding while eating combinations that my American Chef’s mind had never contemplated. Each course was better than the next & I was now open to an entirely new array of ingredients that seamlessly blend together to form a new synergistic cuisine. It’s a bonus that I was a Chef of Italian cuisine in my youth (Mezzaluna/Mezzanotte in Philly) & that I have overseen several great Italian restaurants (Cafe Fiorello & Trattoria dell’Arte in Manhattan). It’s a thrill to bring this menu home.
Marc not only is the Chef, Owner but he is also the interior designer for this and even created the soundtrack! On design he said:
“It’s the same as the design of Flannel. I just see things & then hope others like what I create with that vision. I searched so many places to find the right lamp fixture, the right garnish . .. . BUT then I’ll want to add something or change something. I feel like I’ll never mature, some us just keep evolving. We had some great local artists paint our walls & more. I wanted 1 italian column & 1 asian column, just like the ingredients, & just like other areas of the restaurant. I wanted it to be dark but you can still read, I want it be loud but you can still hear, I want it to be spicy & sweet. The important thing about décor, is that the guest should already know what the food is going to be before they get it (which was the brilliance of Jose’s restaurants, back in the day).”
DaVinci is now on open table – will open formally Thursday at 5pmHours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
