THE MOSHULU GETS RAVES IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia PA -- The Moshulu, the most unique waterfront restaurant on a grand, historic sailing ship, re-opened in early May 2003 on the Penn's Landing Marina in Philadelphia. The critics are raving and the crowds are coming! Craig LaBan of the Philadelphia Inquirer in his recent review wrote the kind of praise restaurateurs dream about … The Moshulu "is a rare harmony of first-class food and service with stunning views and ambience." And, when writing about the chef, he said, "If you've never heard of executive chef-partner Ralph Fernandez, it's about time you did!"

The combined talent of Fernandez, Chef de Cuisine Kevin O'Kane and Sous Chef Adam DeLosso is very exciting and apparent with their innovative menus - an adventuresome menu in the main dining room and a more casual menu on Bongo Bar and Deck. Perhaps, another great compliment to this culinary team is that the region's finest chefs are coming themselves to enjoy the food and the entire experience.

Built in 1904, the Moshulu was re-decorated for its May opening. Designed with a South Seas flair, there is a sense of adventure when walking into the grand foyer of the ship. The colors are vibrant and the feeling is energetic. Throughout 2004, the ship, which was named Moshulu by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, will celebrate its Centennial Anniversary and its storied history.

Here are samplings of the tantalizing dishes on the menus. The main dining room of the Moshulu offers an adventuresome menu exploring American contemporary cooking. Dishes such as Jail Island Salmon Seared and Herb Marinated Lamb Loin invigorate the senses. The outdoor Bongo Bar and Deck offer al fresco café dining, live entertainment and cocktails. Guests enjoy entrees such as Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs, salads with ingredients like Thai Filet Mignon and Grilled Shrimp and a variety of sandwiches like the Kobe Beef Burger and the Smoked Duck Rueben.

Martin Grims, owner of Passerelle and many other Philadelphia area restaurants, in partnership with his key management team, has taken over the operation of the Moshulu. In addition to the culinary team, joining Grims in management positions are Bill Bergan, General Manager/Partner and Megan Eberz, Banquet Manager. They all bring fantastic history to the ship - from being part of the opening team of the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia to the Pierre Hotel in New York City to running successful restaurants throughout the country.

Grims is thrilled with the reception they have received in Philadelphia. "To me, the waterfront is Philadelphia's greatest untapped natural resource," he said. "The views are unparalleled and walking on the ship's decks is a thrill like none other I have experienced in my career." He continued, "We want the Moshulu to feel like a celebration of time-off with great food and hospitality as if you're on an exotic vacation. And, we are very excited that Philadelphians and local residents have shared our enthusiasm. We especially wanted people who live in our region to appreciate the Moshulu, and they are!"

The décor was created by interior designer Barbara Balongue, IIDA, in collaboration with Grims. They replicated an intimate South Seas fantasy of bamboo, rattan, fine leather and seductive fabrics. By utilizing warm and seductive color palettes, interwoven with distinctive lighting, Balongue's design creates a sophisticated and seductive environmeknt for dining. She's proud of the reception they have gotten. She said, "We have successfully transformed the restaurant into a South Seas adventure, with beautiful colors, textures and lighting."

With the Moshulu now docked on the Penn's Landing Marina next to the U.S.S. Olympia, her re-opening is the latest step in the revitalization of Penn's Landing and the Delaware River waterfront. Dominic Sabatini, president of Penn's Landing Corporation, is thrilled the Moshulu is located on the Penn's Landing Marina and sees her re-opening as a great boost to the
waterfront and the region. "We have always believed the Moshulu was an important part of the attractions on Penn's Landing. Watching the kind of guests attracted to the Moshulu flock to Penn's Landing is a great boost to us here."

Marty Grims, a highly respected restaurant owner, has several restaurants on Philadelphia's Main Line and opened a new restaurant last spring called Plantation in Harvey Cedars/Loveladies on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. In addition to Passerelle, he owns the adjacent Bravo Bistro in Radnor, PA, DuJour, a gourmet food market in Haverford, PA and he's in partnership at Tango in Bryn Mawr, PA and Basil in Paoli, PA.

The Moshulu is located in the Penn's Landing Marina at 401 S. Columbus Boulevard (between Lombard and Pine Streets) in Philadelphia. Parking is available adjacent to the boat with valet parking in the evening. The Moshulu is open daily for lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner and late night entertainment. In warmer months Bongo Bar and Deck serves dinner daily and lunch on the weekends only. Private parties are available on the deck, in one of the indoor private rooms or on the entire premises. For more information about the Moshulu, visit www.moshulu.com or call 215.923.2500.