Who Is Peter Serpico?

This past weekend news broke that David Chang's former second-in-command, Peter Serpico, has been working on a new concept with Stephen Starr that's opening on South Street this winter. While it's certainly earth-shattering news to the food blog mafia, Serpico isn't a known quantity to the casual Philly diner. So, who is this mystery man that's become the toast of our town almost overnight?

Up in NYC, Serpico has been Chang's right-hand-man in the Momofuku empire for years, and was the opening chef/partner for Chang's critically acclaimed Momofuku Ko, which opened in 2008. Serpico then picked up the coveted Rising Star Chef award from Food & Wine for his efforts, and followed that up with the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, one of the most prestigious prizes the organization hands out.

The critics loved everything Serpico was doing, too, as the notoriously prickly Frank Bruni awarded Ko three hefty stars in The New York Times, which was succeeded by two stars from the Michelin Guide. They still hold that rating today.

All in all, Serpico is one of the most talented and accomplished chefs in the industry today. And depending on the success he has here, his arrival might signal a new wave of top flight cooks choosing Philly to make a name for themselves after perfecting their craft up north or out west.

· All Peter Serpico Coverage [~EPHI~]
· David Chang's Right Hand Man Opening Resto in Philly [Eater Philly]