Bibou Team Expanding to Rittenhouse Square

For years the Philly food fanatics wondered why the ridiculously successful husband and wife team from Bibou—chef Pierre Calmels and wife/GM Charlotte—didn't open a second restaurant. The duo would always deflect the queries by telling everyone that they would love to, and playfully asking whether or not the person inquiring had a pocket full of cash to foot the bill for a new property.

Well, it looks like they finally found someone to help those dreams come true, as The Insider is reporting that Team Bibou is taking over the soon-to-be-shuttered Rittenhouse Tavern at The Art Alliance sometime in October. This development immediately puts the Calmels' new project at the top of the "most-anticipated restaurant list."

Charlotte—Philly's best and most beloved front of the house matriarch—recently told Eater that she and hubby Pierre were looking at spaces the last few months, and that something was imminent, but she had no further details. The departure of Nick Elmi, a close friend and former colleague of Pierre's in the Le Bec Fin kitchen, signaled the impending closing of the Tavern which was the best fit for the couple.

Klein is reporting that the cuisine will be classic French (duh), and that the prices will be lower than their flagship restaurant. Also of note is the fact that the new spot will have a liquor license, while Bibou is Philly's top-ranked BYOB. Expect lots of reasonably-priced French wine.

This new restaurant has been a long time coming for all of the Calmels' fans, and for the Philly culinary scene as a whole. And we only have to wait just a little while more. Stay tuned.

· Bibou Duo Coming to Rittenhouse [Official]
· All Bibou Coverage [~EPHI~]
· All Pierre & Charlotte Calmels Coverage [~EPHI~]