Chef David Ansill Returns To His Roots In Philadelphia…As Executive Chef of Bar Ferdinand!
PHILADELPHIA, PA – (JULY 31, 2011) – Owen Kamihira, owner of Bar Ferdinand (1030 North 2nd Street; 215.923.1313) in Northern Liberties, is honored to announce, that after taking a 6 month sabbatical in Jamaica, David Ansill has returned to his roots in Philadelphia to become Executive Chef. Kamihira and Ansill have a 30 year history that started when they worked together in the 80s at South Street’s infamous Copabanana. “Throughout the years I have watched and admired David’s career and growth as a chef,” explains Bar Ferdinand owner Owen Kamihira. “I have always trusted his palette. His simple use of ingredients and his ability to extract the essence of those products in his dishes, has always amazed me.” Kamihira continues, “David’s motorcycle travels through spain with my brother Eben, had a lasting culinary affect on him. His dishes, have always had the 1-2-3 simplicity of the food of Spain.”
Chef David Ansill is currently applying his imagination to an exciting new menu that will debut in late September. But, beginning August 2nd, every Thursday Ansill will explore Spanish inspired dishes using seasonal ingredients, with his new multi-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The cost is $40 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and is offered from 5 – 11pm. In addition, Ansill is creating a series of specials each night that live up to Bar Ferdinand’s seasonal ingredient-driven reputation.
Bar Ferdinand has always been a chef driven restaurant. When it opened in 2006, they introduced a menu of traditional and modern tapas with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu has evolved through the years. But, that focus and commitment has never changed. With David Ansill coming on board, he will put his culinary stamp on Bar Ferdinand’s menu and take it to the next level!
High resolution photos are available upon request.
Sample Chef’s Tasting Menu
Featuring the Tomato
Offered Thursdays from 5 – 11pm; $40 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
1st Course
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, crab
2nd Course
Oil Poached Cherry Tomatoes, olive purée
3rd Course
Spanish Tuna, tomato saffron conserva
4th Course
Local Tomatoes, mint, olive oil
5th Course
Pan Con Tomate, jamon serrano
6th Course
Grilled Mackerel, tomato water, artichokes
7th Course
Lamb, pine nuts, roasted tomato rioja
8th Course
~ Dessert ~
Subject to change, based on available ingredients.
For more information about Bar Ferdinand, please visit barferdinand.com. Reservations are encouraged for groups of all sizes and can be made by calling 215-923-1313.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 5 – 11pm
Friday: 5pm – midnight
Saturday: 3pm – midnight
Sunday: 3 – 11pm
Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11am – 3pm
About Bar Ferdinand:
Bar Ferdinand is celebrating its 6th year in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia, as the city’s premier Spanish tapas restaurant. Bar Ferdinand was founded & designed by Owen Kamihira as a contemporary vision of Spain’s famed tapas bars, and a local gathering place for neighbors to go for great food, wine and conversation.
About David Ansill:
Chef David Ansill, a Cheltenham native, was trained at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School and spent 26 years honing his skills & perfecting dishes while cooking at renowned local favorites such as Serrano, Judy’s Café, Rittenhouse Hotel & Lucy’s Hat Shop. He spent time broadening his culinary skills in Sweden and Miami Beach, including a stint at the prestigious, Delano Hotel.
Ansill decided to break out on his own in 2001; First with Pif, an intimate French bistro with a daily changing menu. In 2006, he opened Ansill Food + Wine, a remarkable tapas inspired restaurant with influences from France, Italy and Spain. By 2009, Ansill had landed at Ladder 15, where he continued to bring his innovative style & direction to life. In July of 2012, Ansill teamed up with old friend, Owen Kamihira as the Executive Chef of Bar Ferdinand, a traditional yet creative Spanish wine & tapas bar in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties community.
1030 North 2nd Street | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123 | Northern Liberties | 215.923.1313