Top Chef Sbraga to Showcase Skills

Fans of Bravo’s Top Chef have been not-so-patiently waiting for Season 7 winner and local Chef Kevin Sbraga to announce the location of his new restaurant — a venue slated for late 2010 or early 2011 that is said to be warm, inviting and inimate. But while you are scouring the Web and checking out every constructions site in town, you can get a taste of what’s to come at a sneak preview event the star chef is hosting this Thursday, December 9, at Azalea Restaurant in the Omni Hotel at Independence Park.

For one night, Sbraga will take over the restaurant and showcase his award-winning style of elegant but approachable food. The menu is set for four courses with wine parings, and will feature items like fluke crudo with apple cidar gelle, pumpkin agnolotti with sweetbreads and mushrooms, squad paired with purple cauliflower, lentils and a chocolate and orange harissa, and a gooey pot de creme with a touch of salt.

Guests will not only get to dine on Sbraga’s meal, but hob-nob with him as he explains his choices for the menu and shares stories from his career as a chef and the excitement of the Top Chef competition. Start off your holidays with a treat for yourself. perhaps you’ll be able to discover where that future restaurant is opening up shop.

Azalea Restaurant at the Omni Hotel at Independence Park is located at 401 Chestnut St.,  215.925.000, www.omnihotels.com. Reservations are required; the price is set for $75 per person.The hotel is also offering a special room rate for the evening.