Food and Drinq

Stephen Starr tells Food & Drinq that he's signed a letter of intent to re-create the restaurant and the lobby bar in the Sofitel at 17th and Sansom Streets, now known as Chez Colette and La Bourse. Until the deal is official, though, he would not divulge name, concept or opening date.

Besides the Sofitel, here are the known Starr projects in the works:

1. Parc, at the Parc Rittenhouse at 18th and Locust.
2. A redo of Washington Square; concept TBA.
3. A gastropub at 706 Chestnut St., in the space that was Blue Angel and Angelina.
4. Chelsea Prime steakhouse and Teplitzky’s coffeeshop in the Chelsea hotel in Atlantic City.
5. A steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Starr also confirms that he and Marc Vetri have discussed a joint venture -- this was some time ago, he adds -- but both agreed that Vetri was too busy with Vetri and Osteria.

Below: In 2006, Starr playfully arm-wrestles manager Karin Haidorfer at Buddakan New York, just before its opening. Photo: April Saul / Inquirer Staff Photographer.