PIFA Means Three Weeks of Arts and Food


Today marks the kickoff of the three-week long Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Featuring everything from classical music to trapeze lessons there will also be a significant culinary element to the festival including an honor for Georges Perrier and eleven guest chefs from France hosting dinners with their Philadelphia counterparts.

Culinary Visionary Award

This evening Georges Perrier will be honored with the first Culinary Visionary Award for his contribution to the culinary culture of Philadelphia.

French Chef Pairings

Through May 1st PIFA will bring 11 Guest Chefs from Lyon and Paris to Philadelphia, where they will be hosted by local restaurants. Each French Guest Chef will partner with the Philadelphia Chefs to create a special, inspired menu that they will help prepare during their stay and will be featured at the host restaurant throughout the festival.

Chef Pairings include:

  • Michael Abt from Parc with Frédéric Berthod from 33 Cité
  • Terence Feury from Fork with Simon Lacassin from Préfecture du Rhône
  • Daniel Stern from R2L with Babette De Rozieres from La Table de Babette
  • Pierre Calmels from Bibou with Olivier Paget from Le Fleurie
  • Jon Cichon from Lacroix with Eric Hubert from Les Terrasses de Saint Pierre and Café Gadagne
  • Chris Scarduzio from Table 31with Arnaud Languille from Clostan Traiteur
  • Olivier Desaintmartin from Caribou Café with Jean-Paul Borgeot from La Tassée
  • Dan Black from Amuse (Le Méridien)     with Eric Brujan from L’Orénac Le Méridien Etoile
  • Peter Woolsey from Bistrot La Minette with Joseph Viola from Daniel et Denise
  • Georges Perrier from Le Bec-Fin with Mathieu Viannay from La Mère Brazier

Le PIFA Bistro at the Kimmel Center

Wolfgang Puck Catering will feature a casual dining concept, Le PIFA Bistro, along with Parisian street food at the PECO Bar, and a Crêperie Cart, during the entire festival, April 8th to May 1st.

Street Fair

On Saturday, April 30th the Avenue of the Arts will be transformed into a Parisian street fair with musical entertainment and a giant Ferris Wheel. All culminating with a breathtaking routine by La Compagnie Transe Express performing 100 feet in the air. On the ground will be a day’s worth of French food vendors.

More on PIFA

PIFA Primer [The Philly Post]
Hip-hip Perrier
[Philadelphia Daily News]
PIFA
[Official Site]