a.kitchen and a.bar, two exciting restaurants at AKA Rittenhouse Square at 18th and Walnuts Streets in the heart of Center City, showcase the modern, compelling cuisine of Chef Eli Kulp, along with one of the country’s most innovative wine and spirits programs. Kulp, who also leads the kitchens at Fork and High Street on Market in Old City, is a true talent, having just been named ‘Chef of the Year’ by Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig Laban and one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2014 Best New Chefs. At a.kitchen, Chef Kulp and his team work with a simple, yet striking approach: flavor-forward cooking over lump hardwood charcoal using the freshest seasonal ingredients they can find. The technique is old–school in a way—just a red-hot smoldering fire—with Kulp bringing his modern approach and attention to detail to each dish. Add on a.kitchen’s award–winning selection of food–friendly natural wines for a one-of-a-kind Philadelphia dining experience. a.kitchen’s smaller sibling, a.bar, is a 42-seat raw bar located directly on the bustling corner of 18th and Walnut Streets with stunning views of the park. Launched in July 2013, a.bar features a superb selection of traditional seafood, snacks, salads, sandwiches and globally inspired crudo, as well as a range of intriguing house cocktails and wines chosen to harmonize with seafood.