Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and Vernick Fish Head “Down the Shore”

Vernick Fish, the modern American oyster bar located at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, is once again bringing the New Jersey shore a taste of the celebrated restaurant this summer. James Beard Award-winning Chef Greg Vernick and team will host an experiential five-day culinary activation and a collaborative benefit dinner in partnership with Cookie Till, owner of Steve & Cookie’s, a beloved bayside restaurant in Margate, New Jersey.

Vernick Fish’s shore-inspired culinary event will take place behind Steve & Cookie’s (700 Amherst Avenue Margate, New Jersey 08402) daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11, 2023. Guests can anticipate a casual menu of the restaurant’s pristinely prepared ceviche dishes and other seafood-driven bites. Steve & Cookie’s will serve beverages from their outdoor bar, inviting guests to take a break at one of the restaurant's existing picnic tables and enjoy their bites with refreshing cocktails. The daily events are open to the public and no reservations are necessary for the walk-up service. Vernick Fish commemorative Down the Shore merchandise will be also available for purchase.

Chef Vernick grew up visiting the Jersey shore and got his first kitchen job in Margate, New Jersey. Vernick Fish, Down Shore celebrates the restaurant’s origin story by bringing tastes that have inspired it, back to the place that’s played an important role in Chef Vernick’s life, and many others in the Philadelphia area.

“Cookie is someone that I have long admired as a restaurant owner and pillar of the Jersey shore community,” says Greg Vernick. “Through A Meaningful Purpose, she inspires community members and spreads awareness for regenerative farming practices. Each time we get to support, like we did at last year’s Down the Shore events and then again in March with our Steve & Cookie’s Takeover Dinner at Vernick Fish, we feel even more committed to helping her mission.

Vernick Fish’s week-long presence will conclude with an intimate, 60-seat dinner under the stars on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Till’s farm, Reed’s Organic Farm in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The dinner will be prepared by Greg and Vernick Fish Chef de Cuisine David Paterniti, utilizing ingredients grown at the farm. Tickets and additional information can be found here, with a portion of the proceeds from both events benefiting A Meaningful Purpose at Reed’s Farm.

About Vernick Fish

An American Oyster Bar that celebrates ingredient-driven cooking and a love for global flavours, resulting in an inventive seafood menu and a range of vegetable preparations. Located on the ground-floor of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at the intersection of Arch and North 19th Streets, Vernick Fish features an expansive dining room, chef counter, bar and lounge area, as well as a private dining room. To make a reservation, click here.

About Steve & Cookie’s

The warm and inviting vibe is noticeable from the moment you enter this former supper club built circa 1932. Now heading into its 25th year on the bay in Margate, Steve & Cookie's knowledgeable and engaging team welcomes guests to a remarkable dining experience. The food, while remaining true to the classics that fans love, continues to evolve in a constant search for the best ingredients that fit the restaurant’s ethos of fresh and local. In 2022, the restaurant was nominated with an “Outstanding Hospitality” recognition by the James Beard Foundation, its second award from the Foundation.

About A Meaningful Purpose

A Meaningful Purpose was founded in 2020 to address the needs of food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic County, New Jersey.  This mission is carried out at the historic Reed's Farm, continuing the legacy of local food production in the region.  The farm operates organically year-round, hosts a sanctuary for farm animals, and features a farm market offering organic produce and baked goods alongside local vendors. A Meaningful Purpose also provides educational and vocational programming to local schools and organizations with a focus on people with cognitive disabilities.  We aim to provide a community hub that inspires all who gather here to engage with nature and celebrate its healing capabilities.