PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Society Hill Restaurant opens tonight in an old location.

Ela restaurant is located on the corner of 3rd and Bainbridge Streets. Co-owner Jason Cichonski says most locals recognize that spot as the old Judy’s restaurant.

“Immediately prior it was Ansel and I know that before that it was Judy’s, which apparently was this enormous neighborhood institution putting all sorts of pressure on me because all the neighbors let me know how much they love Judy’s and if I don’t match that, that they’re going to eat me.”

Ela is named after Cichonski’s mother.

“It’s kind of a modern-American twist on ingredients that you might not usually put together.”

His favorite dish?

“Pretzel Schpetzel is the most fun thing to say in the world. We combine sphetzel batter and pretzel dough with smoked butternut squash puree, brussel sprout leaves and the duck.”

For more on Ela listen to the podcast in the player below.

Reported by Hadas Kuznits, KYW Newsradio 1060