Xfinity Live expanding as Cichonski opens restaurant
The chef/owner of Ela and The Gaslight will run a spot called 1100 Social at the South Philadelphia entertainment venue.
A little more than three years old, Xfinity Live - the entertainment center in the heart of the sports complex in South Philadelphia - is already heading toward a $6 million renovation and expansion.
The changes, due to be completed by Sept. 12, will add considerable outdoor seating as well as a beer garden.
Something had to give: valet parking. Its lot will be taken over by the expansion.
Most significant, from a food perspective, will be the revamping of Spectrum Grill - the white-tablecloth chophouse option among Xfinity Live's six main eateries - into a casual spot called 1100 Social. It will be run by chef Jason Cichonski, who owns Ela in Queen Village and The Gaslight in Old City and who had a short but memorable run on Season 11 of Bravo's Top Chef.
"'Social' is really what we are going for," said Cichonski. "The plates will be designed for sharing at the table, which will encourage conversation, create an energetic environment and will be perfect for large groups. I want to do something new and exciting focusing on the harmony of Asian and Mexican flavors. They've always played a big part in my cooking. Both have bold flavors that integrate together well and open up limitless potential."
The bar will face the NBC Sports Arena, and there will be a new, landscaped outdoor patio with multiple fire pits and covered and heated dining areas.
Victory Beer Hall will expand, as designers add a glass and steel building that will open to an exterior beer garden with more outdoor seating and fire pits.
Xfinity Live will be open during the work.