Avana, a new American comfort food restaurant, is set to open on the Ben Franklin Parkway on December 29, writes Michael Tanenbaum for PhillyVoice.
The new restaurant is the brainchild of restaurateur Felicia Wilson, in partnership with chef Darryl Harmon, and is her fourth eating establishment in Center City. She is also the owner of southern cuisine restaurant with African influences Amina, fried chicken restaurant BlackHen, and Afro-Latin restaurant Fia.
Wilson noted that Avana’s menu will offer “something for everyone.”
Some menu highlights include the lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, veal chop, cheesesteak churros, and a braised oxtail personal pizza. There will also be a Mc.Rib sandwich stuffed with boneless beef short ribs, house-cured dill pickles, dehydrated onions, and black cherry barbecue sauce.
This is all in addition to a variety of different pastas, sides, and house specialty entrees.
Dajah Jones, a mixologist at cocktail catering service Sip Lightly, will oversee a bar that offers craft cocktails, locally-distilled spirits, craft beer, and wine.
Avana will take over the former space of The Hadley, and will feature a 108-seat dining room, a bar, and a lounge area with another 30 seats.
Read more about what to expect from Avana and the other restaurants owned by Felicia Wilson in PhillyVoice.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in December 2024.


























































