Dear Friends,

One thing is for certain, things change. Change is good. Change is growth. People change, neighborhoods change, even our likes and loves change. Change is what motivates us either by fear of it or by embracing it. I have always been one of the latter. Change invigorates me and causes me to be so excited that I can't sleep at night.

Have I changed? Since coming to Manayunk almost 15 years ago I have been busy raising a family, been in and out of many different business deals, and obviously have matured (i.e., aged, some would argue the maturity thing). I have been living my dream! Anybody who can make their living doing what they love is truly successful, and G-d knows that after more than thirty years in and around kitchens and food I consider myself pretty damn successful. There are many things about me that have not changed, though. I still get up in the morning and I can not wait to get to work, and I still don't like to go home until the last guest is satisfied. I still have an absolute passion for the food. I love the four seasons of our region and can not wait for the seasonal foods to come in and offer them to you. I love teaching and guiding my staff and hopefully infecting them with my passion. I am a lifer in the restaurant business and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

So here I go again, another change, another chapter for Derek Davis, the chef, the restaurateur, the man. It is now the summer of 2005 and I am set to introduce to you the reincarnation of Sonoma. After thirteen years, and many, many happy times Sonoma is being converted into my new venture, the eponymous, Derek's.

So please, come in with an open mind and an empty stomach, and allow us to feed your belly and your brain. Allow us to guide you into whatever you want, be it the best burger in town, a dry aged steak, or the finest cult California Cabernet. Indulge yourself in our local grown organic cuisine or just have a glass of wine and a snack at the bar. Let us host your business meetings in one of our new private rooms or just have a casual sidewalk salad and Martini. Come watch local sporting events on our big screen TV's in the bars or have an intimate dinner for two in our cozy booths. I want to be your everyday cafe or your special occasion restaurant.

As much as things change, they stay the same. Fine food, Fine Drinks, And Fine Service is what I'm talking about!

See you on Main Street!
Derek

view Derek's bio