Marcus Samuelsson, Washington Square’s opening chef will be back in Philadelphia and cooking at the International House on Tuesday, September 15th.

Samuelsson is the chef and executive chef of the Aquavit Restaurants as well as a TV personality and cookbook author. He will be previewing Scandinavian dishes from his upcoming cookbook, The New American Table and also signing books.

Tickets for the general public go on sale September 1st for $80 or $$150 per pair. Members of the International House of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia chapter of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce can get discounted tickets now.

See the details on tickets and the schedule after the jump.

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Today, Philly.com has more on Stephen Starr and his mercurial affair with 706 Chestnut Street. The latest has the former Blue Angel location becoming… the future Blue Angel. Yep, L’Ange Bleu, Starr’s much loved French bistro is coming back.

After the short-lived  Angelina’s in 2003, there have been a bundle of proposed uses for the location. It was to be Starr’s foray into boutique hotels, an on-again, off-again gastropub and most recently an oyster bar. But now it seems Starr is going with the path of least resistance and is aiming to reopen the Blue Angel. He still has most of the decor in storage, which certainly will help keep the start-up costs down.

Also in the Kleinsider story is news that Starr is now talking about turning his former Washington Square into a “‘fun’ Greek concept.” Fun and Greek has its appeal but we can’t help but be sad to think that the concept going to the Washington Square location is the death knell for the old Broad Street Diner location.

Starr to revive Blue Angel [The Insider]

Several little birds – let’s call them Starrlings – have been twittering about an unholy alliance allegedly brewing between Marc Vetri and Stephen Starr.

There are two versions of this rumor making the rounds. One has Vetri and Starr partnering up on a new project at the now-shuttered Washington Square.

Another version has Starr either selling Striped Bass to Vetri or the two of them going into business there together. Our sources, Starrlings and otherwise, have long been chirping that Starr wants out of Striped Bass. The rumored asking price: $2 million.

I checked with Starr’s rep, a Cashman-iac, and she tells us “there is nothing definite to report at this time.” Which, you’ll notice, is not a no.

Vetri at the Bass could be a beautiful thing, especially if it was Osteria-like. Vetri with Starr? We’ll wait and see. Yes, wait and see.

Washington Square served its last dinner on Saturday. Stephen Starr’s restaurant is closed after 3 years and a procession of chefs and concepts. There’s no doubt the courtyard was a star but the restaurant never seemed to hit its stride.

Michael Klein keeps hearing rumors it’ll come back as an Indian restaurant, perhaps as early as next Spring.

Washington Square 86ed [Food & Drinq]

TheIlladelph is digging on the truffled egg toast at Tria and can’t stop saying good things about the treat and also gives some other good tips for enjoying Tria.

First sampled in the LES, truffled egg toast is at once luscious, elegant and simple. It’s an undeniably delicious snack that can be enjoyed in the morning, early afternoon or evening.

Thus, we were understandably pretty ecstatic the first time we saw the Truffled Egg Toast on Tria’s menu. And after having it a dozen or so times since, we have only confirmed our earlier suspicions — it’s fucking delicious.

Eating The Illadelph: the Truffled Egg Toast at Tria [TheIlladelph]
Tria [Official Site]

Stop us if this sound familiar to you. On Wednesdays Washington Square will be offering $2 beer, $3 wine, and $4 cocktails plus free appetizers between 5 and 7 PM. Sure it’s Center City Sips all over again, but what’s wrong with cheap drinks and free food in one of the best outdoor spots in the city? That’s right, nothing.

Washington Square [Official Site]

The weather is still delightful so don’t head indoors after work. Why not check out the first edition of City Paper’s escape happy hour at Washington Square.

City Paper is presenting a happy hour for all the cubicle dwellers out there looking for a serene scene. Escape is the name and Stephen Starr’s Washington Square is the spot. Every Thursday through Jun 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

Washington Square Web Site

Escape – City Paper Presents (PDF)

Every Sunday through Labor Day Washington Square opens it’s lush garden to Philadelphia offering BBQ Sundays. The new menu will feature “outdoorsy back to basics” food including BBQ staples grilled meat and corn on the cob.