PHILADELPHIA, PA – Square 1682, the modern American upbeat kitchen located on the ground level of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Rittenhouse Square, is pleased to announce the newly-appointed Executive Chef Rondé Murphy formally, followed shortly after with the launch of Murphy’s all-new, first official innovative and diverse dinner menu.
Under Murphy’s leadership, Square 1682 will debut a hyper-seasonal winter menu reflective of Murphy’s passion for learning new things, trying new food, and seeing new sites. The newly-refreshed selection of offerings features cuisine that Murphy describes as “traditional without borders,” keeping the culinary styles of his background in Mid-Atlantic America alive while incorporating new techniques and foreign ingredients. Highlights from Square 1682’s all-new menu include the following:
- Salt Roasted Beets – Greek yogurt crema, pomegranate seed mix
- Cast Iron Beans and Sweet Potato Curry
- Saffron Shrimp and Grits – Stone ground grits, yellow tomato sauce, pork belly, red pepper, olives
- “The Bay” Seafood and Andouille Sausage Boil
Murphy brings years of experience to Square 1682 in the restaurant and hospitality industries. In his hometown of Baltimore, MD, he has worked for Chef Cindy Wolf at the acclaimed restaurant Charleston and was Executive Chef at Spike Gjerde’s café, Jr. He has also served as the Executive Chef at the St. Gregory Hotel and Executive Sous Chef at the former W Washington DC hotel.
Though Murphy found a calling in the kitchen, he still has the hunger and drive to keep learning, growing, and honing his craft. After moving to Philadelphia during the height of the Pandemic, Murphy acclimated to the city by strolling its various neighborhoods, soaking in culture and history every day. The expertise he continues to accrue is evident in his cuisine and marks a new era for Square 1682
.“We’re back this year in a big way, but that doesn’t mean a return to form,” said Murphy. “My mission for 2023 is to make every meal with us a stellar and memorable experience for guests and staff alike.”
Coinciding with the new menu launch, Murphy plans two back-to-back memorable dinners in honor of Black History Month on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25. À la carte dishes include Corn Bread and Honey Butter ($6) Shrimp Hush Puppies ($15) with spiked blueberries and remoulade, Cornmeal Crusted Blue Catfish ($22) complete with hopping John and 1682 hot sauce, Red Eye Gravy Smothered Chicken Breast ($24), over a bed of collard greens and a side of mouth-watering mac-n-cheese, and Red Velvet Cake ($12) consisting of white chocolate ganache and pearl sprinkles. A portion of proceeds from each item sold will benefit local BIPOC-owned and chef-led non-profit organization Everybody Eats. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
