Philadelphia - August 12, 2009

Merit System

Meritage Restaurant Reopens

A little jiggle here, a flappy flop there. There comes a time when everyone considers signing on for an updated version of herself.

But some make-betters turn into whole do-overs. Such is the case with Meritage.

The famed Rittenhouse restaurant reopens tomorrow with a sunny yellow interior, a bar that’s double in size, butcher block tables, and a reimagined menu.

Chef Anne Coll (Susanna Foo, Le Bec Fin) takes the helm with Asian-inspired French-style dishes. Sample small plates of Jersey corn and crab flan or pan-seared Cape May diver scallops. The entree of brined and roasted Giannone chicken with Brussels sprouts, Chinese sausage hash, and a star anise jus is a work of art.

Something your cutlets don’t have in common.

Meritage, 500 South 20th Street (215-985-1922 or meritagephiladelphia.com).