New restaurants will move into former Koko Bongo space

In October 2007, a man was shot and killed near 38th and Chestnut streets, just outside Koko Bongo nightclub which closed shortly thereafter.

But Ned Taddei, who is opening two connecting establishments - The Blockley Pourhouse bar and Mary Oaks restaurant - on March 28 hopes to breathe new life into the area.

Though Koko Bongo is an infamous name in the area, Taddei said he believes his establishment will have no security issues because of the demographic to which it will cater.

"I'm not worried about crime," he said. "Koko Bongo's format of hip-hop music and private parties lent itself to just that."

He said he and executive chef Ross Essner camped out in the location for two weeks to ensure that the area feels safe around 2 a.m.

After seeing that criminal types were not in the area, the two concluded that "the crime was because of Koko Bongo," Taddei said.

Still, he stressed that the two restaurants will be equipped with "more than enough security."

Taddei said he is trying to tap into all the local populations - students, faculty, hospital staff and neighborhood residents.

He said he is particularly excited for the live music component because it brings him back to the days of the Chestnut Cabaret, which was located at the current site of Koko Bongo 30 years ago and featured up-and-coming bands, he added.

The Blockley will offer 12 drafts, 24 types of bottled beer and live music, Essner wrote in an e-mail.

"It will be a great spot to go for happy hour, to grab a light bite, to have a nice inexpensive dinner with friends or to grab a sandwich before, during or after a show," Essner wrote.

He added that the accompanying restaurant, Mary Oaks, will be a "dining destination offering a more upscale but casual experience."

The menus will be different to suit the character of each establishment, Taddei said. Blockley will be like a "beer garden" with a light menu, while Mary Oaks will be more dining-focused.

"We will serve high-quality products, like simple, well-executed sandwiches, salads and platters," wrote Essner.

Examples of Mary Oaks entrees include whole, herb crusted twice-cooked chicken with roasted baby vegetables, sausage and corn bread stuffing, as well as whole grilled American red snapper with roasted peppers, creamed leeks, roasted tomatoes and basil puree.

In addition, catering will be offered for big and small groups, Essner wrote.

So far, the restaurants have "piqued a lot of interest on the Internet," Taddei said. "We're very, very excited, and we think we'll be a welcome addition to Penn."

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