Old Original Bookbinder's has long been a Philadelphia landmark. For Joe DiMaggio, Lillian Russell, Richard Nixon, The Rat Pack, Bob Hope and a host of other celebrities, Old Original Bookbinder's was a special place to enjoy seafood, cocktails, and friendship. It hosted to Presidents, local politicians, countless international dignitaries and celebrities. For over a century, it has been considered Philadelphia's prime dining spot and social Mecca. In the 1950s and 1960s, devotees of its famous five-pound lobsters included Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Julius Irving ("Dr. J"). In later years, Bookbinder's continued to attract a celebrated following including David Bowie, Madonna, and Muhammad Ali, who dined alongside local residents and tourists. And for a new generation of luminaries and locals... owner John E. Taxin ensured the continuing success of Bookbinder's with a completed renovation at the original location (2nd and Walnut Streets) in 2005!
Bookbinder's Executive Chef, the truly talented David Cunningham, whose pedigree sports Gray Kunz, Charlie Palmer, was lastly the chef of New York's Petrossian. He's been part of the action in some of the world's finest restaurants: Hotel Bristol in Paris, Lenox Room, Le Bernardin and Lespinasse in New York. Here Cunningham hits on all cylinders and drives Bookbinder's famous classics such as Snapper Soup and Strawberry Shortcake to some very modern shores; while adding such signature dishes as Bouillabaisse, Seafood Cobb Salad and more. |
