After closing on August 2nd for renovations and a re-imagining of the menu and award-winning wine list, Meritage is re-opening tonight for dinner at 5 pm. The restaurant has been outfitted with new hardwood floors, new artwork and increased seating, as well as an updated “50 Under 50″ wine list, which features 25 white and 25 red wines priced under $50. Some seasonal Rosés are being featured for the end-of-summer wine lover including Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2006 Rhone Valley ($36) and Sauvion d’Anjou 2009 Loire Valley ($39).

 

Meritage also has a new chef, Anne Coll, who previously worked at Susanna Foo and Le Bec Fin; Coll joined the restaurant in mid-July in anticipation of the revamping. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into the changes at Meritage – the prices on the new menu are refreshingly in-step with the times and the menu items reflect the organic and local foods movements: During the construction downtime, Coll has been working steadily with local farms to obtain organic meats, cheeses and produce for the updated menu.

Some highlights include:
• Eberly Farms Chicken Liver pate with spiced plums and crostini – $5
• Jersey corn and crab custard with herb oil – $4
• Grilled grape leaves stuffed with Kobe beef, served with Vietnamese dipping sauce -$5
• Frisee Salad with poached egg, crispy braised pork belly, fingerlings and a citrus vinaigrette – $9
• Tuna tartare with soy wasabi foam, organic Oh micro greens and
wonton chips – $13
• Pan roasted Maine Cod with curried lentils, preserved lemon, baby bok choy and lemon grass emulsion – $21
• Brined and roasted Giannone chicken with brussel sprouts, Chinese sausage hash, star anise sauce – $18

Meritage, 500 South 20th Street (corner of 20th and Lombard streets), (215) 985-1922.