ROUGE REDUX Celebrating 21 years as the grand dame of Rittenhouse boîtes, Rouge recently debuted a chic new look in time for spring. As one of the original restaurants credited with kick-starting Philly’s famed restaurant renaissance, Rouge 2.0 captures the original joie de vivre dreamt up by late owner Neil Stein and designer Marguerite Rodgers. “After 20 years, we made a whole new Rouge that captures the spirit of the old Rouge,” says Rob Wasserman, Stein’s son-in-law, who has co-owned Rouge with his wife and Stein’s daughter, Maggie Wasserman, since 2004. “We partnered with Meg [Rodgers] again, who really kept the essence of what Rouge is. It’s always been such a comfortable gem, and she made sure it still has that same vibe,” he says. The new look still embodies that same posh Parisian feel, but with more seating, updated wallcoverings and carpet, and a square bar slid back against the wall. The all-day menu has been revamped—with the exception of the signature Rouge Burger, which Rob and new chef Sean McPaul wisely kept. “I love the reactions we’re getting,” says Rob, “but the best compliment so far was that if Neil walked in today, he’d be proud of us.” 205 S. 18th St., 215.732.6622, rouge98.com
Photography by: Photo by Jillian Guyette
