NoChe by FCM Hospitality in Rittenhouse Square will host its grand opening on Thursday, December 15th on the second floor at 1901 Chestnut Street. Hot on the heels of last week’s opening of Rosy’s Cafe just blocks away, Owner Avram Hornik presents a sophisticated and posh cocktail lounge that pays tribute to his former nightclub of the same name that operated in the space from 2004 to 2014. The art deco-themed lounge and bar features a long list of tailor-made cocktails and immersive drink experiences, along with a limited list of complimenting upscale bites.

“They say everything old is new again. FCM Hospitality looks to our past to find inspiration for our newest concept,” said Hornik. “We are excited to revive one of my early concepts and open it in a new and elevated way. NoChe opens just in time for the holidays and it is the perfect location to enjoy cocktails and bites with friends and family through the new year and beyond.”

NoChe, which is short for North of Chestnut, was one of Hornik’s early bars and nightclubs that operated for ten years in this same space. The entrance to the second floor concept is on Chestnut Street, right next to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Bringing along the best of the original venue, the new NoChe provides a rare place for adults to have a social get together that isn’t primarily rooted in having a meal. Food is available, but the concept is designed to make cocktails the star of the show.

“NoChe fills the gap of Philly cocktail bars that feel really intimate and exclusive, yet are still warm and inviting,” said Hornik. “It is a special moment to add to your night. Stop by for a stand-alone drink and snacks with friends before – or after – dinner on the Square.”

NoChe’s beverage program is designed by FCM Hospitality Beverage Director Matthew Deutsch, who set out to ensure the surprising combinations found in each drink add to the allure of the overall concept. The menu is broken down into time-honored classics, reimagined concoctions and champagne cocktails, plus beers by draft, can and bottle, seltzers, wines, and a full line of spirits. 

The crown jewel of the NoChe cocktail program are new cocktail boards. This new fan favorite is partially completed table side, allowing guests to be a part of the process allowing an inside glimpse into the cool effects that go along with them. The boards invite guests to play a role in building the finished drink. A menu of partially completed concepts make finishing the recipe more interactive and let everyone be a part of the cool effects in the process. 

No matter which cocktail experience guests sample, all drinks at NoChe are guaranteed to be frosty – stemware will be chilled with liquid nitrogen, maintaining the intended temperature to the last drop. The liquid nitrogen will also be a tool to muddle herbs for a fresher, brighter flavor – and create puffs of smoke while drinks are being made. 

The board theme continues in the lounge’s food selection which has a special menu section dedicated to various boards – charcuterie, cheese, crudites and more. Other light bites to complement the cocktails include caviars, tea sandwiches and small plates served by a knowledgeable staff.

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