New Norristown Restaurant, 'Interactive Culinary Studio' To Open

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Norristown culinary scene is on fire, as a renowned local chef is launching three new projects.

Keith Taylor, a chef who runs the Zachary's BBQ & Soul concession at Elmwood Park Zoo, is significantly expanding operations. He's opening a brick and mortar restaurant, Zachary's Commissary, downtown. He plans to helm a revamped kitchen at Five Saints Distilling. And he will launch a new "interactive culinary studio" in downtown Norristown.

“Well, 2020 was a very tough year, but we’re ready to kick it into high gear,” Taylor said.

Culinary studio

Dubbed "Soul of Cooking," the interactive culinary studio will open up its doors for its first event on March 20 at 6 p.m.

It will be located inside Corbett Inc., a new 40,000 square foot event space on 56 Buttonwood Street, which will also host corporate team-building events.

Events will include live culinary experiences, classes and other education opportunities, and more, all with plenty of space to safely socially distance, Taylor says. Numerous other safety precautions will be in place, including temperature checks and a COVID questionnaire.

The first event, "Upside Down South," will see demonstrations of Taylor's famous jambalaya recipe with a southern dessert. Future events include collaborations will other notable area chefs, including Patrick Feury and Normandy Farm's pastry chef Sam Nahhas.

New restaurant

Taylor is targeting a spring opening for the new BYOB restaurant, Zachary's Commissary.

The space will have 50 seats and will focus on ribs, smoked meats, pulled pork, brisket, large sandwiches, and sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.

Smoked meats will also be offered to-go, by the pound.

"I'm excited for the restaurant," Taylor said. "And I am ready to be one of the business leaders in the rising Norristown experience. Mostly, I’m just happy to be staying busy by sharing delicious food for hungry people."

The restaurant will be located on 9 West Main Street.

Five Saints kitchen

Taylor's third venture is a collaboration with Five Saints Distilling, Norristown's popular local distillery in the historic firehouse on Main Street.

Taylor will work with Five Saints' John and Amy George to redevelop the kitchen. They'll focus on BBQ, as well as dishes inspired by upstate New York, the region the Georges are from.

Menu items will include burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.