Sips Bistro & Bar, Phoenixville’s classic French restaurant, has undergone a transformation with the addition of a new chef, Chris Siropaides. If you aren’t yet familiar with Sips Bistro, you should definitely get acquainted. Located a bit off of Phoenixville’s main drag of restaurants on a quiet corner on Bridge Street, Sips brings a decidedly European flair to the former Chester Hotel and Moon Saloon. Chef Siropaides also brings some serious cooking cred to Phoenixville.
Siropaides got his start in the culinary world back at Montco Technical High School, where his cooking teacher saw something special and encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. Chris then attended the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA). After graduating from the CIA, Chris started his career at Philadelphia Country Club and gained experience in all areas of the kitchen.
At the time, the biggest name in the Philadelphia culinary scene was Georges Perrier, so Chris knew he wanted to work for him. His dream eventually came true and he was hired at Brasserie Perrier, where he worked under chef Chris Scarduzio.
After working at Brasserie Perrier, he asked for a transfer to the now shuttered Georges’ in Wayne. He was quickly promoted to sous chef by Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga, who was the executive chef at the time. His last three years of a 10-year stint at Georges’ was as the executive chef. After Georges’ closed, Chris helped re-open Brittingham’s in Lafayette Hill.
Chef Siropaides has had the pleasure of working with such big names as Top Chef winner Nicolas Elmi and Chopped champion Jeremy Duclut, just to name a few.
Siropaides has updated Sips’ menu while keeping its quaint French bistro style. He believes that “a few well done components and clean flavors tie a dish together” and enjoys using “quality ingredients to let individual flavors shine through.”
Start your meal at Sips with hors d’oeuvres such as tuna tartare, frog legs tempura-style or escargots in garlic butter. Enjoy rotating charcuterie, pâté and cheese plates or dig into a large bowl of mussels (all you can eat on Mondays!).
For your main course, traditional entrees like coq a vin, filet mignon Oscar and duck confit fill the menu. The plat du jour is always something special. From bouillabaisse on Wednesdays to boeuf bourguignon on Saturdays, you will feel as if you wandered into a Parisian cafe right in downtown Phoenixville.
Sips also has one of the best happy hours around. Enjoy a half-priced bar menu, including discounts on beers, martinis and house specialty cocktails from 4:30–6:30 p.m. daily in the bar area or on the front porch. Additionally, select bottles of wine are $10 off on Mondays–Thursdays and Sundays are complimentary BYOB if you choose. Also on Sundays from 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sips offers a brunch menu, including such favorites as eggs Benedict with duck confit, stuffed French toast and Croque Monsieur and Madame sandwiches.
Find Sips Bistro & Bar at 400 Bridge Street in Phoenixville; phone: (484) 924-9721.
Chris Siropaides photo credit: Courtney Apple Photography; mussels and interior photo credit: Sips Bistro & Bar.
