David Ansill Launches Thursday Tasting Menu at Bar Ferdinand

By Danya Henninger

A couple weeks back, we mentioned much-loved chef David Ansill had returned from Jamaica to take the post of executive chef at Bar Ferdinand. Proprietor Owen Kamihira is an old friend of the former Pif and Ladder 15 toque, and when the Caribbean venture fell apart (a potential restaurant partner invited Ansill to the island but left him high and dry, we gather), Kamihira offered up the kitchen at his Northern Liberties tapas spot. More than safe haven, the new position offers Ansill a chance to showcase his cooking skills again, starting with a weekly tasting menu.

Each Thursday, $40 will bring guests eight courses of Spanish-inspired fare. The inaugural menu features the perfectly in-season tomato, showing up in dishes such as gazpacho with crab; Spanish tuna with tomato saffron conserva; and grilled mackerel with tomato water and artichokes. A wine pairing runs an additional $20 per person. Check out the full bill of fare (subject to change) below (215-923-1313).

Chef's Tasting Menu
Featuring the Tomato

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