UPDATE: Due to new COVID-19 restrictions in Allegheny County, The Passage Vol. 1 has been postponed. Ticket purchases have been refunded.
In his own way, Chef Kevin Sousa would like to help people transition safely from quarantine life to some semblance of normalcy.n case you didn’t already see our Instagram announcement, we have decided to postpone The Passage Vol. 1 at Arlington Bever
He’s thinking The Passage might do the trick. A series of gatherings, The Passage will feature food, drink, live music, art and fellowship spaced out over half a block in the city’s Allentown neighborhood.
The first event is scheduled for July 25 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are on sale now. The $85 price includes a full meal with five drink pairings (vegan, gluten-free and non-alcoholic offerings will be available).
The 75-person capacity includes 25 free passes, which will be given to residents in the 15210 zip code.
“We want to do something that feels like a real night out, but also feels safe,” Sousa explains.
He will utilize a warehouse on Industry Street and a long alleyway — hence the name “The Passage” — that leads to the back of his new Arlington Beverage Club (ABC).
Guided by staff members and social distancing marks on the ground, patrons will meander through the indoor and outdoor spaces on a tasting tour. Food portions will be substantial, not just one-bite samples.
A second gathering is planned for August 22 at undisclosed locations in neighboring Mt. Oliver, before returning to Allentown on Sept. 26. While organizing the events, the chef also is preparing to reopen Superior Motors, his fine dining restaurant in Braddock, this fall.
ABC, located in an old church social club at 1226 Arlington Ave., is slated for an Oct. 1 launch.
Sousa says The Passage will give people a welcome respite from their homes and a chance to explore different parts of the city.
“All of these spaces are unfinished and we’re figuring things out as we go,” Sousa says. “That fits in with the way the world is right now. It’s going to feel weird and disjointed, but that’s kind of the point.”