Runaround Sous is a Philadelphia Underground Supper Club

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler

What exactly is an underground supper club you may ask? Delete any visions of the Catacombs of Paris (although that would be kind of awesome for Halloween) and envision a pimped out 4-story townhouse in Logan Circle, Philadelphia complete with a balcony overlooking the ever-changing colors of the Comcast building and the smell of marijuana drifting through the air (not our crew, a happy neighbor obviously). Now add two chefs, food, foodies and BYOB drinks (minus some Miller High Life pony bottles and dark n’ stormy floats) and you have a rough idea of what it entails. That and a $78 donation which helps cover food costs and tips, among other things for 15-20 people starts around 7:15-7:30 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. or later.

(Hint: Park near the Ben Franklin Parkway as parking is free after 7 p.m. and enjoy your 5 minute walk.)

Runaround Sous or #RS6 for its sixth love child featured ringmaster Anthony Sica (an ex-opera singer who worked at Le Bec Fin and now is a budding entrepreneur), Chef Davina Soondrum of La Peg and her sweetheart Nate Moore of Supper on South Street, host and orthodontist Brad Podray as well as Katie Erikson and Alex W. Feltoon, who have mastered the art of running a “restaurant” in a multilevel house.

The theme was “Dessert for Dinner” and if you know me well, this is certainly the best idea ever.  The 5-course menu included Vol-Au-Vent (with lobster, charred fennel, baby root vegetables), Acorn Squash + Kale Salad (with walnut, cranberry, fresh curd dressing), Crepe de Canard (with 5-spice duck, bittersweet chocolate, brandied cherries), “Fromage” (baguette ice cream, port-fig brownie, mandarin), Apple Cider Beignet (ancho-cinnamon, caramel paired with a dark n’ stormy float).

I honestly have to say this is the first time I was in the kitchen trenches among all the chaos and excitement that comes with it. Like a fly on the wall (or sitting on the stairs rather), I was able to watch the chefs at work, the frenzy of plating, running tables and grabbing a bite of food here and there. There’s certainly something unique going on here. I predict this underground supper club may outgrow its current space – and keep growing. I would also like to see Anthony hold his own party, I’m sure people are curious as to what a former Le Bec Fin chef can cook up!

Be on alert for tickets for the November 18 season finale of Runaround Sous this Friday, October 25 Follow them on Twitter to learn more!