Lacroix at The Rittenhouse is the vision of Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, a leader of the Philadelphia culinary scene for two decades. An internationally acclaimed chef and a member of the prestigious Mâitres Cuisiniers de France, Lacroix was the first Philadelphian to receive the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence in 1998, and in 2001 he received the James Beard Award for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic United States.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Lacroix at The Rittenhouse named 'Best New Restaurant of the Year' by Esquire magazine," said David G. Benton, VP and General Manager of The Rittenhouse Hotel. "Chef Lacroix and his dedicated staff continue to provide guests with the most interesting and affordable dishes without compromising quality, something that he firmly believes in and will remain a part of his mandate." 

"I am deeply honored the restaurant has received such a distinction, but I would not have been able to achieve a level of excellence without the many talented and dedicated people whom I work with side-by-side everyday," said Chef Lacroix, whose refined contemporary cuisine emphasizes the use of the freshest regional and seasonal ingredients prepared with his signature style. "I envisioned a place where guests would feel invited, comfortable and relaxed in a casual but elegant environment, where the food and the atmosphere enhance each other. Using the view of Rittenhouse Square from every table, we wanted to bring the park into the dining room and create an environment unlike any other in the city." 

Arched doorways, stone pathways, abundant greenery and a majestic food altar are among the park-inspired accents that create a stunning 110-seat garden-like dining room. The restaurant also features a chef's table, demonstration space, a confiserie and patisserie. 
 

The inspired vision of Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix meets the architectural talents of noted restaurant designer Marguerite Rodgers and the historic charm of Rittenhouse Square to create Lacroix at The Rittenhouse.

Chef's Table Lacroix at The Rittenhouse

In the upcoming article, Esquire's food editor John Mariani writes, "Jean-Marie Lacroix has nothing to prove...he's already considered one of America's great chefs."  He adds, "In this modern, two-tiered restaurant overlooking stately Rittenhouse Square, Lacroix is masterminding some of the most unexpected and exuberant food in the country."

About The Rittenhouse Hotel - The Rittenhouse Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Philadelphia, overlooking historic Rittenhouse Square. Major museums, cultural attractions, world class shopping and the city's business center are all just walking distance from the hotel. The Rittenhouse has received the AAA Five Diamond Award since 1991 and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Official Hotel Guide named The Rittenhouse the only Philadelphia hotel among its list of 101 Superior Deluxe Hotels worldwide in 2002. 

About Esquire Magazine- Esquire is part of Hearst Magazines, a unit of The Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with a total of 17 U.S. titles and 129 international editions. This is Esquire's 22nd annual survey of the Best New Restaurants in America, as selected by Esquire food critic John Mariani.