Will BYOB’s Pumpkin and Pear Soup

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Chef/proprietor Christopher Kearse has a will, but we aren’t just talking about his 28-seat East Passyunk Crossing-based Will BYOB, 1911 E. Passyunk Ave. This will comes from the never-give-up mentality that he took on as a teenager following a tragic drunk driving accident that resulted in severe damage to his face and multiple surgeries. He spent several months in bed, and the simple abilities of eating solid foods and smelling ingredients weren’t so simple.

Instead of giving up, the chef-in-making started preparing meals for his large family, and eventually enrolled at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.

The ultimate reward came in August 2012 when the now 30-year-old chef opened his establishment along South Philly’s bustling foodie row.

Owner/Chef Christopher Kearse

“Yes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said during a Tuesday afternoon conversation inside his eatery. “It’s pretty awesome. It’s a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Kearse, who has worked in kitchens from coast to coast as well as in London, could easily seek out a larger spot so that more customers could enjoy his French-inspired creations on a nightly basis, but he prefers the intimate atmosphere. So nights are about helping patrons celebrate special occasions while other are geared towards unique wine pairing dinners or special tasting menus.

He is gearing up for the third annual East Passyunk Restaurant Week, which runs Sunday through Feb. 28. This time around, Kearse is opening on Monday and Tuesday night, days in which he is typically closed. His special three-course-for-$35 menu is being offered Monday through Thursday along with the 5 p.m. seating on Friday. For those trying to land a table, good luck, as the East Passyunk Crossing resident said he is pretty much booked. He is anticipating close to 60 meals each night.

The Pumpkin and Pear Soup) is one of the dishes the chef believes will set the tone for a memorable evening.

“I think the soup really sets the tone for the dinner,” he said. “It’s the philosophy how we do things. It’s a showcase dish, and lets people see what they’re walking into.”

In his three years of operation, the chef is constantly gaining new neighbors who are adding to the international array of culinary flavors available for those craving-a-memorable-meal patrons. Instead of making it like a reality television competition, the avenue is developing a fraternity of talented chefs.

“Everyone knows [East Passyunk Avenue],” he said. “There is a lot of teamwork and camaraderie on the avenue. We all see each other often. It’s cool to have that closeness with a lot of people.”

Will BYOB

Owner/Chef Christopher Kearse
Opened Aug. 24, 2012
1911 E. Passyunk Ave.
215-271-7683
willbyob.com

Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.

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