Morgan's Pier and Serrano Restaurant Both Name New Chefs

With super chef George Sabatino busy with Aldine, the Center City restaurant he’s opening this summer with his wife Jen, the kitchen at his last hitch, seasonal riverfront spot Morgan’s Pier, recently named his replacement.

That new top toque for summer 2014 will be David Gilberg, the highly acclaimed chef-owner of dearly departed Northern Liberties BYOB Koo Zee Doo. According to Foobooz, Gilberg plans to roll out a backyard barbecue and summertime picnic menu for the popular open-air bar and restaurant. He’s reportedly working on assembling a kitchen crew ahead of its opening.

Meanwhile, over in Old City, 2nd Street’s longstanding Serrano Restaurant also named a new chef. He is Matthew Daggett, who formerly headed kitchen operations at South Philly’s Devil’s Den.

According to Serrano owner Donal McCoy, Daggett’s first order of business is revamping the menu so it emphasizes “quality, accessibility and value.” That means putting a focus on locally-sourced ingredients while dialing prices back to make them a little more competitive and accessible.

Up at the front of the house, Serrano welcomes Shawn Gormley aboard as head bartender. Gormley was last a partner in Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant prior to its recent transformation into The Gaslight. He and McCoy have already begun tweaking the drink program, reworking the cocktail options and beer and wine offerings.

Photos: Moragn's Pier (top) by Drink Philly; Matthew Daggett and Donal McCoy (right), courtesy Serrano Restaurant.