New Restaurants
New Nightspots
Coming Soon
Cebu
Guillermo Veloso, who left Cuba Libre earlier this fall, is transforming the massive Old City club space (123 Chestnut St.) that once housed Rococo and World Fusion into this upscale Filipino restaurant-***-nightspot slated to open by the end of the year.
Margot
In late December, John Mims plans to move Carmine's Creole Cafe from Narberth to a location now occupied by Citron Bistro (818 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr), where it will feature live music and a liquor license. Then, Mims will turn the Narberth space into Margot, a BYO serving New American fare with Cuban touches.
Snackbar
This small-plate Eclectic is due to open in mid-November at Rittenhouse Square (253 S. 20th St.), in the corner store that previously accommodated Salt and Out of the Blue.
Good Deals and Other News
Stephen Starr Developments
The restaurateur has signed a letter of intent to place outposts of his glittery Mexican destination, El Vez, and his comfort-fooder, Jones, in a planned expansion of Cherry Hill Mall. Put down the fork: they're not expected to open until 2009.
John Mims' ragin' Cajun-Creole is fixing to move in November from Narberth into the Bryn Mawr space currently occupied by Citron Bistro (818 W. Lancaster Ave.), with plans to add a liquor license and live blues.
Monday BYOB nights are now a permanent feature, except in December.
A new location has opened in Phoenixville (130–138 Bridge St.; 610-983-9333), serving lunch/brunch and dinner daily.
There's a new owner (Caribou Cafe's Olivier Saint Martin), a new chef (Paris-trained Laurent Leseur) and a new focus on seafood – most entrees are priced $23 to $26.
Under executive chef Matthew Levin, the restaurant has added à la carte dinner service, in addition to the fixed-price offerings and the $165 degustation menu. Entrees top out with a $48 veal chop.
Philly's third location of this fondue place has opened in King of Prussia (150 Allendale Rd.; 610-265-7195).
This South Philly Italian now serves lunch on Saturdays from 11 AM–3 PM.
- Applause! Applause!
- Chaleo Thai
- Fish Tank on Main
- Taco House
- Trattoria Lucca