You might know Michael Schulson from such legendary Philly spots as Le Bec Fin, Susanna Foo, Pod and Buddakan where, back in the day, he honed his craft before opening up modern Japanese pub Izakaya at the Borgata in Atlantic City last year. Since then, Schulson’s star has been rising quickly, both for his take on modern Asian fusion (more on that in a minute) as well as his next step: Being host and judge on TLC‘s Ultimate Cake Off, which debuts next Monday (see trailer above). (Note to cable execs: When will you just launch The Cake Network already? Clearly, the demand — and the content — is there.) But that’s not the half of it. In November, Schulson will return to Philly with the opening of Sampan, at 122 South 13th Street. Sparks Design, who also designed the aforementioned Pod and Buddkan, will be decking the place out (no renderings just yet), and the reasonably-priced Asian fusion menu will look a little something like this:

Edamame Dumplings, with black truffles, onion sprouts and sake;
Tuna Tataki Summer Roll with ponzu gelee, somen noodles and chiles;
Skate Wing Sandwich with oshinko, arugula and tartar sauce;
Steak and Eggs, braised short rib with egg and Asian pear;
Veal Tonkatsu Burger with panko, kimchee and katsu sauce;
Young Fried Rice with shrimp, golden chives and congee;
and Crispy Frog Legs with Chinese celery and blue cheese.

Chef Schulson, you have our attention.