Northern Liberties’ Sonata has added Sunday brunch and a prix fixe dinner menu.

The prix fixe features an appetizer, entree and dessert for $31 and is available Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday night.

Brunch is served from 10am to 2pm on Sundays and features an extensive list of options and mix for BYO vodka and Champagne. Check them all out after the jump.

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David Snyder sings about the cooking of Sonata chef and owner Mark Tropea even if there are a few uneven notes.

Tropea demonstrates an ability to orchestrate simple ingredients into sophisticated, satisfying compositions.

The practice that demonstrates this the most is Tropea’s ability to combine earth and sea, his most adventurous combo being the lobster “mac and cheese.” Purists might dismiss marrying cheese with a lobster tail, yet a whisper of mild fontina is a harmonious partner for the crustacean, giving the dish an elegance bolstered by house-made pappardelle. It’s the addition of chanterelle mushrooms, though, that makes it a masterpiece. The match seems counter-intuitive, but the lobster stock-infused cream sauce connects these ingredients into one seamless arc.

Clef Club [City Paper]
Sonata [Official Site]

Adam Erace visits Sonata and if he has one bit of advice for chef Mark Tropea,  it’s go easy on the sauce.

At times during my dinner at Sonata, it was like Tropea couldn’t help himself, that add-more reflex that afflicts lots of young chefs. It’s a real shame, since mostly he’s doing fresh things with quality ingredients at friendly prices. His pan-crisped pork belly, brined for 24 hours and cooked sous-vide for 12 more, came correct with opposing textures, and I loved the little spheres of compressed Fuji apple and the deeply autumnal calvados molasses—even if the latter tattooed the plate in passé diner-dessert squiggles.

Sonata [Philadelphia Weekly]

Build your own Restaurant Week with Grub Street’s prix fixe picks for every day of the week. [Grub Street]

Snackbar has added a special food and drink menu between 5 and 7 with all items between $5 and$7.

Derek’s is celebrating 18 years in Manayunk with a 3-course meal for just $18. The bargain has been extended through August. [The Latest Dish]

Illadelph does its own deal dump just on $1 oysters. Oyster House, Union Trust and Pub & Kitchen are all offering bargain bivalves. [The Illadelph]

With a name like Miel Patisserie, you might not expect a great deal. But that’s just what you’ll get at the 17th Street spot. $5.35 for a sandwich, water and dessert bar. [Meal Ticket]

The $24 “Appetite Stimulus” lunch at Lacroix features 3-courses including a Gouda burger with double-smoked bacon plus fries topped with truffle oil, Parmesan and shallots. [Restaurant Club]

Want to try new Liberties Walk restaurant Sonata? Hit up any store on the walk for a 10% off coupon. [Meal Ticket]

There are lobster specials at Bridget Foy’s through mid-August including a $29 lobster boil featuring a 1 1/4 pound lobster, chorizo, mussels, corn and potatoes. [Meal Ticket]

Opening Today

Iron Hill Maple Shade opens today. It’s the regional chain’s first foray into New Jersey and the first brewpub to open in the state in 10 years.

Chris Lapierre, formerly of Iron Hill West Chester will be manning the kettles at the 280-seat brewery and restaurant. Of particular note is the brewpub’s automated growler filling system which means you can take some of Maple Shade home with you.

Iron Hill Brewery [Thrillist]
Iron Hill Brewery

Opening Tomorrow

Sonata is set to open on Liberties Walk where Swallow once resided. The BYOB from executive chef and owner Mark Tropea will serve American fare “in inventive and unique presentations.” Among the highlights are duck prosciutto with cantaloupe frisee salad and braised short rib with celery root puree.

Sonata Restaurant in pictures [Meal Ticket]

Complete Sonata release after the jump.

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One last thing before we leave your for the weekend. Michael Klein is reporting Restaurant School alum Mark Tropea will be opening Sonata where Swallow was on Liberties Walk. The restaurant will have seating for 45 and 37.4″ of leg room in the rear.

Tough act to Swallow [Philly.com]
Sonata [Hyundai USA]