Randy Rucker, a James Beard chef semifinalist, to open River Twice, a BYOB, on East Passyunk Avenue
The American BYOB, with Southern touches, will replace Izumi at Passyunk and Tasker.
![River Twice, billed as a modern American restaurant, will take the space at 1601 E. Passyunk Ave. just vacated by Izumi.](https://www.inquirer.com/resizer/-zGPs8XHb1cgNdJZ_iweuaqc7rQ=/760x507/smart/filters:format(webp)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-pmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/ECPPQO6GANEYZAVVTQHXDL5PUY.jpg)
East Passyunk Avenue will see not one but new two chef-driven BYOBs later this year.
I told you last week about June BYOB, which will take over the current Will BYOB after its June 2 closing and relocation.
Now I’ll share early word of River Twice, billed as a modern American restaurant that will take the space at 1601 E. Passyunk Ave. just vacated by Izumi. The last day for the 10-year-old Japanese restaurant — a sibling of Paradiso down the street — was Sunday.
It’s targeting a September opening.
River Twice’s name? Greek philosopher Heraclitus’ quotation: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heavy.
River Twice’s chef owner, Randy Rucker, has a long resume. He was a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for best chef/Southwest in 2011 while at his restaurant Bootsie’s, outside of Houston. Rucker has relocated to Philadelphia, the hometown of his wife, Amanda.
HE says to expect “Southern sensibilities” in the dining experience as well as a mellow vibe. Menu will be seasonal and local.
I’m hearing of such dishes as raw sea scallops with white soy, fermented citrus, Serrano, and nasturtium; and fried sunchokes prepared with smoked trout roe, goat milk ricotta, and chickweed; and dry-aged duck with apple, sorrel, cardamom, and honeynut squash.
Vincent Stipo of MSC Retail handled the real estate transaction.