Philadelphia : ZagatWire Archive

ZagatWire: August 2006

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:57:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Apamate	1620 South St.	Philadelphia	215-790-1620
Bar Ferdinand	1030 N. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-923-1313
Cantina Los Caballitos	1651 E. Passyunk Ave.	Philadelphia	215-755-3550
Divan Turkish Kitchen	918 S. 22nd St.	Philadelphia	215-545-5790
Mantra	122 S. 18th St.	Philadelphia	215-988-1211
Water Works	640 Water Works Dr.	Philadelphia	215-236-900

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bar Ferdinand	1030 N. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-923-1313
Cantina Los Caballitos	1651 E. Passyunk Ave.	Philadelphia	215-755-3550
Lucky Strike Lanes	106 E. 25th Ave.	San Mateo	650-522-9800
Mantra	122 S. 18th St.	Philadelphia	215-988-1211
Water Works	640 Water Works Dr.	Philadelphia	215-236-900

Coming Soon

Aqua

This Thai/Malaysian BYO from a former manager at Penang is in the works for a late-August opening at 705 Chestnut St. in Center City.

House of Blues

A Philly outpost of this national nightclub fixture – known for tasty tunes with a side of Southern food – will open in March 2007 at 15th and Chestnut Streets in Center City's Grande building. .

James Restaurant & Bar

The South Philly lineup should see the arrival of this Italian-influenced American (824 S. Eighth St., in the former Michael's) in the fall. Jim "James" Burke was the executive chef at Angelina after a sous stint at Vetri.

Oceanaire Seafood Room

Philly's first branch of this upscale seafood chain is set for a late-September debut on the 700 block of Walnut Street in Washington Square West's new St. James apartment building.

707

Ryan Margolis, who worked for Stephen Starr, is readying this American bistro and bar (707 Chestnut St., Center City) for next spring. According to Margolis, it will cater to Washington Square scene-sters.

Good Deals and Other News

Aden

This Mediterranean BYO has closed due to rising rent. Owner Hadar Nisimi has a new location in Northern Liberties in the works but it probably won't open until 2007.

Brasserie Perrier

Georges Perrier's bustling Restaurant Row brasserie has launched Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM–3 PM.

Circles off the Square

This Continental entry in the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel has added outdoor dining on 17th Street.

Lula

Neighborhood-friendly American bistro offerings have supplanted the Med small-plates menu.

ZagatWire: October 2006

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:56:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Copper Bistro	614 N. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-627-9844
Giwa	1608 Sansom St.	Philadelphia	215-557-9830
Ha Long Bay	816 W. Lancaster Ave.	Bryn Mawr	610-525-8883
Umai Umai	533 N. 22nd St.	Philadelphia	215-988-0707

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Johnny Brenda's Upstairs	1201 Frankford Ave.	Philadelphia	215-739-9684
Social Club	2011 Sansom St.	Philadelphia	215-561-0323

Coming Soon

Doc Magrogan's Oyster House

Look for a mid-October opening of this old-fashioned West Chester seafooder (117 E. Gay St.) from the folks who run Kildare's Irish pub.

Fleming's

This outpost of the high-end steakhouse chain, run by ex–Smith & Wollensky GM Patrick English, is aiming for an October 27th debut inside the Radnor Corporate Center (555 E. Lancaster Ave.), next to the forthcoming Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen.

Fogo de Chão

A Center City locale of this Brazilian churrascaria chain will open in late November in the former JE Caldwell space at Chestnut and Juniper streets.

Oceanaire Seafood Room

Philly's first branch of this upscale seafooder is set for a mid- or late-October debut on the ground floor of Washington Square West's new St. James apartment building (700 Walnut St).

Osteria

This more casual Italian undertaking from Marc Vetri (Vetri) will house a wine bar and a wood-burning oven when it opens in early January at 640 N. Broad St. in North Philadelphia.

Rae

Gayle chef-owner Daniel Stern's New American spot in the Cira Centre, next to 30th Street Station, is shooting for a December debut.

Xochitl

Pronounced like "so cheat," this posh Head House Square Mexican (408 S. Second St.) from the partners behind Marigold Kitchen will feature a menu by Puebla-raised chef Dionicio Jimenez, who should be cooking by mid-October.

Good Deals and Other News

Blush

This fall, executive chef-owner Nick Farina hosts "Smokin' Tuesdays," drawing drinkers on the veranda with an outdoor grill, martini bar and tapas-style menu.

Cuba Libre

Guillermo Pernot, chef-owner of ¡Pasión!, has stepped out of the kitchen to take on executive chef duties at Cuba Libre, a competitor. Ben Davison, Pernot's sous-chef at ¡Pasión!, moves up to executive chef; Pernot maintains his co-ownership of ¡Pasión! with Michael Dombkoski. At Cuba Libre, Pernot replaces Guillermo Veloso, who resigned.

Le Bec-Fin

Georges Perrier's Center City institution has rolled out a $90 four-course dinner menu offered in the main dining room Monday through Thursday. And bucking tradition, it's in English. The restaurant has also trimmed lunch service (now served Wednesday through Friday only, with seatings at 11:30 AM and 1 PM), though lunch (and dinner) is available in the downstairs room, Le Bar Lyonnais, Monday through Saturday.

Marigold Kitchen

This West Philly BYO now serves dinner on Sundays, as well as three-course dinners for $35 on Sundays and Tuesdays.

McGillin's

In a first, this circa-1860 Center City bar is open Sundays for Eagles games (11 AM–midnight). Beers are $1 with the purchase of a custom McGillin's mug from an hour before to an hour after game time.

Old Original Bookbinder's

Has opened a fish market on premises. In addition, the restaurant now offers a $20 three-course weekday lunch menu (11 AM–4 PM) that gets customers out the door in 40 minutes.

Pif

Chef David Ansill is serving a $30 three-course classic French dinner menu that changes weekly.

Twenty21

On Fridays (5–10 PM), this Commerce Square New American offers a $35 three-course dinner.

Westin Philadelphia

A Friday night wine-and-cheese series in the Lobby Bar will feature cheeses from Di Bruno Bros. paired with five wines from Lauber Imports. Each session will focus on a different region, including South Africa on October 6th, Italy on October 13th, the Northwest U.S. on October 20th and Australia on October 27th (5–8 PM; $24.95 per person; 215-563-1600; www.westin.com).

Cafe Sud

ZagatWire: September 2006

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:56:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Aqua	705 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-928-2838
Bootsie's	38 S. 19th St.	Philadelphia	215-988-0089
Miraku	1326 Spruce St.	Philadelphia	215-732-1110
Miraku	1121 N. Bethlehem Pike	Spring House	215-643-0100
Naked Chocolate Café	1317 Walnut St.	Philadelphia	215-735-7310

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Moon over Miami	1716 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-568-8282
North Bowl	909 N. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-238-2695
Restaurant M	231 S. Eighth St.	Philadelphia	215-625-2946

Coming Soon

Kitchen 233

Chris Painter (ex Tangerine) will open this Med-influenced American bistro showcasing artisanal wines in Haddon Township, NJ (233 Haddon Ave.). It's on tap for late September.

Maia

The partnership that owns Berwyn's luxe Nectar has big plans for this Villanova small-plater, opening in about six months in a new spot near the Blue Route's Route 30 exit.

Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen

The world-famous restaurateur heads to Philly's Main Line in late September with this moderately priced noodle bar/dumpling house at 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor. Its chef will be Robert Boone, who has cooked at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, Norman's in Miami Beach and Atrio in the Conrad Miami Hotel.

Tinto

Amada's Jose Garces plans to open this tapas bar near Rittenhouse Square (114 S. 20th St.) in early November; the menu will spotlight Spain's Basque country, complemented by the wines of Northern Spain and Southwestern France.

Triumph Brewing Co.

This long-in-the-works Old City brewpub should open by early fall at 117-121 Chestnut St.

Good Deals and Other News

Alphabet Soup

This New American in Audubon, NJ, plans to reopen on September 8th serving a moderately priced à la carte dinner menu Wednesday–Sunday, as well as a nine-course BYOB tasting menu available on Friday and Saturday nights ($89–$100 per person; no corkage fee).

Estia

A new champagne brunch on Sundays (noon–3 PM) features live jazz.

Io E Tu

Now that this South Philly Italian has gone dark, the Varallo family and staff have regrouped at Ristorante Pesto, their nearby BYO.

Nineteen

This newcomer on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue is serving a $35 three-course prix fixe dinner menu Monday–Wednesday.

Ortlieb's Jazzhaus

Edging into semi-retirement, saxman/restaurateur Pete Souders is selling to a partnership of jazz fans who plan to spruce up the room and pump up the food.

Penne

Mindful of construction in front of the Inn at Penn, this upbeat Italian is offering a "Pardon Our Appearance" menu – a three-course prix fixe for $30 – through the fall.

Prime Rib

Now has a "jacket optional" policy – while they are still required in the main dining room for gentlemen, it's business casual in the front dining room, lounge and bar. The meatery has also added a smaller, 16-ounce portion ($29.95) of its signature 32-ounce dish.

Qdoba

This casual Mex chain has another Center City outpost on the way, at 20th and Chestnut streets. A late September opening is expected.

Striped Bass

Since the August 19th departure of Christopher Lee for NYC's Burger BarGilt, this Center City seafooder is shopping nationally for a new chef .

Tria

This chic wine bar is readying a second branch at 1137 Spruce St. for early 2007.

Westin Philadelphia

A Friday-night wine-and-cheese series in the Lobby Bar will feature cheeses from Di Bruno Bros. paired with five wines from Lauber Imports. Each session will focus on a different region, including Spain on September 15th, California on September 22nd and France on September 29th (5–8 PM; $24.95 per person; 215-563-1600; www.westin.com).

Io E Tu
Maya Bella

ZagatWire: November 2006

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:55:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bensí	1460 Bethlehem Pike	North Wales	215-283-3222
Doc Magrogan's Oyster House	117 E. Gay St.	West Chester	610-429-4046
Du Jour Cafe & Market	379 Lancaster Ave.	Haverford	610-896-4556
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar	555 E. Lancaster Ave.	Wayne	610-688-9463
Oceanaire Seafood Room	700 Walnut St.	Philadelphia	215-625-8862
Solé Osteria Italiana	4247 Main St.	Philadelphia	215-483-4383
Susanna Foo's Gourmet Kitchen	555 E. Lancaster Ave.	Wayne	610-688-8808
WingWalker Pub	249 Bethlehem Pike	Colmar	215-822-6610

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Bamboo Lounge	101 N. 20th St.	Philadelphia	215-636-0228
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant	130 W. Bridge St.	Phoenixville	610-983-9333
Kitchen 233	233 Haddon Ave.	Westmont	856-833-9233
Oceanaire Seafood Room	700 Walnut St.	Philadelphia	215-625-8862
Ratskeller	4046 Skippack Pike	Skippack	610-222-8009

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.

Carmine's Creole Cafe

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.

Catelli

Monday BYOB nights are now a permanent feature, except in December.

Iron Hill Brewery

A new location has opened in Phoenixville (130–138 Bridge St.; 610-983-9333), serving lunch/brunch and dinner daily.

La Boheme

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.

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

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.

The Melting Pot

Philly's third location of this fondue place has opened in King of Prussia (150 Allendale Rd.; 610-265-7195).

Vesuvio

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

ZagatWire: February 2007

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Big Fork	100 Ridge Rd., Ste. 23	Chadds Ford	610-358-8008
Blue Dolphin	240 N. Gulph Rd.	King of Prussia	610-337-0222
Café Avocado	519 W. Walnut St.	Perkasie	215-258-0300
Cosimo	209 Lancaster Ave.	Malvern	610-647-1233
James	824 S. Eighth St.	Philadelphia	215-629-4980
La Viola Ovest	252 S. 16th St.	Philadelphia	215-735-8630
Maggio's	400-B Second St. Pike	Southampton	215-322-7272
Margot	232 Woodbine Ave.	Narberth	610-660-0160
Xochitl	408 S. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-238-7280

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Xochitl	408 S. Second St.	Philadelphia	215-238-7280

Coming Soon

Barnaby's

West Chester's scene is to be enlivened this summer by the first Philadelphia outpost of this PA sports bar chain, at 15 S. High Street.

Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops

Chef Dan Butler, known for Wilmington's Toscana Kitchen & Bar and Deep Blue, will debut this New American in the Brandywine Valley's historic Chadds Ford Inn (Routes 1 and 100) in mid-February.

Mayuree Café

Though it shut down in Wayne recently, this simple Indian BYO is looking to surface in April in spiffier, larger environs at 300 Lancaster Avenue in Devon.

Wrap Shack on the Square

This sandwich shop is branching out from its street stand in Old City and is planning an early spring opening at 120 S. 18th Street near Rittenhouse Square.

Good Deals and Other News

Smoking Ban

Restaurants and most bars in the city of Philadelphia are now smoke-free, including all six Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant locations.

Agave Grille & Cantina

A Sunday buffet brunch ($13.95 per adult; $6.95 per child) is now served.

Alison at Blue Bell

Alison Barshak's New American is getting a liquor license, though BYO will still be allowed; for updates, go to www.alisonatbluebell.com.

Blush

Chef Nicholas Farina has added three- and five-course tasting menus ($35/$50) to his repertoire.

Cork

On Mondays, this Westmont New American discounts bottles of wine by 50 percent.

Derek's

A full-time Restaurant Week–like $30 three-course prix fixe dinner menu is now available. In addition, wines are now half-price on Sundays.

Fountain

Thomas Schnader, most recently of the Four Seasons in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the new maitre d'.

Joseph Ambler Inn

Through March, this Central Montco New American features BYO Friday nights with no corkage fee.

Mexican Post

Its fourth location is open off the Parkway at 1601 Cherry Street (215-568-2669).

Patou

This Old City French-Med places a bet on Tuesday nights called "Pile ou Face" (French for "Crush or Face"). At your meal's end, the waiter asks you to call a coin flip. If you're right, the food portion of the bill is on the house.

Philadelphia Fish & Co.

On Mondays, Janet Meeker's Old City seafooder offers a three-course menu for $30, as well as half-price bottles of wine with the purchase of a lunch or dinner entree. The $30 menu is also available Sunday–Thursday from 4:30–6:30 PM (beginning at 4 PM on Sundays).

Ristorante Primavera

The 146 South Street location has closed, but its casual menu is being served next door at the fancier Monte Carlo Living Room (150 South St.), which now offers two menus.

Swanky Bubbles

Its second location is newly open in Short Hills Towne Center in Cherry Hill, NJ (482 Evesham Rd.; 856-428-4999).

Triumph Brewing Co.

The opening of the long-delayed outpost at 117-119 Chestnut Street is now penciled in for early March.

Fellini Cafe (2216 Walnut St. location only)
Porky & Porkie

ZagatWire: January 2007

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Fogo de Chão	1337 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-636-9700
Jasper	78 W. Lancaster Ave.	Downingtown	610-269-7776
L'Oca	2025 Fairmount Ave.	Philadelphia	215-769-0316
Onasis	800 Haddonfield Rd.	Cherry Hill	856-488-5888
Rae	2929 Arch St.	Philadelphia	215-922-3839
Trattoria Alla Costiera	769 E. Passyunk Ave.	Philadelphia	267-861-4640
Zento	138 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-925-9998

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Dr. Watson's Pub	216 S. 11th St.	Philadelphia	215-922-3427
National Mechanics	22 S. Third St.	Philadelphia
Rae	2929 Arch St.	Philadelphia	215-922-3839
Upstairs Lounge at Loie Brasserie	128 S. 19th St.	Philadelphia	215-568-0808

Coming Soon

La Condessa

Amada's Jose Garces is planning to launch not only Tinto (114 S. 20th St.) in mid-January but also this fun and festive Mexican at 40th and Chestnut streets in the summer; the name, La Condessa, is still tentative.

Mission Grill

Billed as a "casually upscale" Southwestern, this entry from the team behind the nearby Public House is scheduled for the first quarter of '07 in the old Bell Telephone building (1835 Arch St.), near Logan Square.

Silk City

The revival of this Northern Liberties landmark diner at Fifth and Spring Garden streets is now penciled in for February. The new owner, Mark Bee, has asked his chef at N. 3rd, Peter Dunmire, to create its menu.

Good Deals and Other News

BYO Laws

New Jersey authorities are cracking down on BYOs that allow patrons to carry in spirits. Under the law, only wine and beer may be BYO'd, local laws permitting. Pennsylvania BYOs have no such restriction.

Alisa Cafe

Mondays through Thursdays, this Cherry Hill French-Thai offers three-course prix fixe dinners for $30.

Ansill

Now waives its $15 corkage fee on Tuesdays.

Barone's

The Cherry Hill location has a new chef-owner, Joseph Palombo, who has some changes in the works.

Happy Rooster

After five years at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, Brendan Dougherty is now chef at this French-American Center City spot and has tweaked the menu to a rustic brasserie style.

Pif

Owner David Ansill has scaled back days of operation at his French BYOB to weekends.

Salt & Pepper

Has a new executive chef, Sean Ford, most recently at Pumpkin.

Tre Scalini

Closed its doors at 11th and Tasker streets over the holidays, but should resurface nearby in early January at 1915 E. Passyunk Ave.; the phone number will remain the same (215-551-3870).

Tria

A second location of this wine-cheese-beer bar (1137 Spruce St.) is on tap for April.

Water Works

Chef change alert: Adan Trinidad is out and Ed Doherty, the consultant who set up the project a few months ago, is in.

Bluezette
Suilan (Atlantic City)

ZagatWire: December 2006

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Cebu	123 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-629-1100
Frog at the Yard	Flagship Dr. & 16th St.	Philadelphia	215-454-3764
LaScala's Old World Italian	615 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-928-0900
Snackbar	253 S. 20th St.	Philadelphia	215-545-5655
Terra Nova	590 Delsea Dr.	Sewell	856-589-8883
Tori's Brickhouse	119 South St.	Philadelphia	215-627-4866
Warmdaddy's	1400 S. Columbus Blvd.	Philadelphia	215-462-2000

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
Cascamorto Piano Bar	1939 Arch St.	Philadelphia	215-563-4704
Cebu	123 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-629-1100
Monkey Bar	2029 Walnut St.	Philadelphia	215-557-0296
Ms. Tootsie’s	1312 South St.	Philadelphia	215-985-9001
Snackbar	253 S. 20th St.	Philadelphia	215-545-5655
Warmdaddy's	1400 S. Columbus Blvd.	Philadelphia	215-462-2000

Coming Soon

Beneluxx

The Central Montco space (Route 73 and Butler Pike, Broad Axe) that housed the long-shuttered Broad Axe Tavern will get new life in mid-'07 with Beneluxx – as in BElgium, NEtherlands, LUXembourg – a Euro pub project from Michael Naessens of Old City's Eulogy Belgian Tavern.

Blackbird

Chef Alex Capasso, who made his mark at the former Misto and Max's Fine Dining, is planning a spring debut for this upscale-casual New American BYOB in Collingswood (619 Collings Ave.).

Legal Sea Foods

An outpost of this high-end Boston-based seafood chain is scheduled to open in March at the Court at King of Prussia (403 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia); it's also location-hunting in Center City.

Parc

This French bistro from Stephen Starr will find a home in Parc Rittenhouse (227 S. 18th St.), a condo development, in fall 2007.

Rae

On December 12th, Gayle's Daniel Stern will debut this New American restaurant/lounge in the Cira Centre (2929 Arch St.), the tower next to Amtrak's 30th Street Station.

Tinto

This Spaniard from Amada's Jose Garces is scheduled to open its doors in late December near Rittenhouse Square (114 S. 20th St.). Chef Bill Zuchman's résumé includes the Continental, Tangerine and Morimoto.

Good Deals and Other News

Atlantic City Developments

Stephen Starr has opened seaside renditions of Buddakan and Continental at the Pier at Caesars, where they join newcomers such as Phillips Seafood and Sonsie. Meanwhile, Susanna Foo is shuttering Suilan at the Borgata on January 1, 2007.

Taste of Philadelphia Food Tour

This walking tour of Philly's historic farmer's market departs from the information desk Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, rain or shine (call for times; $14.95 per adult; $8.95 per child ages seven–11; cash only; 215-545-8007).

Crescent City

Michael Duplantis' South Street Southerner now serves weekend brunch (11 AM–3 PM).

Dessert

On December 17th and 24th, this South Philly sweet spot will serve holiday afternoon teas featuring assorted loose-leaf teas, savories, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream and other goodies (3–5 PM; $20 per person).

Franco's Pastaria

Has been renovated and repositioned as the High Note Café, befitting its opera and live music focus.

Jake's

This Manayunk New American now features a BYOB policy on Sundays and Mondays.

La Boheme

New chef-owner Olivier de Saint Martin (Caribou Cafe) has introduced a French seafood menu, with most entrees priced from $23 to $26.

Mandoline

Todd Lean's Old City New American now serves Sunday dinner; it has also instituted a cash-only policy.

Tre Scalini

In early January, this Italian BYO is moving to 1915 E. Passyunk Ave., where it will feature the same phone number. Its last night at 1533 S. 11th St. will be December 30th.

Triumph Brewing Co.

An Old City outpost (117-121 Chestnut St.) of this microbrewery is scheduled to open in early 2007.

Bleu
Taste

ZagatWire: March 2007

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:53:00 GMT

New Restaurants

Name	Address	City	Phone
Black N Brew	1523 E. Passyunk Ave.	Philadelphia	215-764-5582
Brandywine Prime, Seafood & Chops	Rte. 1	Chadds Ford	610-388-8088
Chiarella's	1600 S.11th St.	Philadelphia	215-334-6404
Mission Grill	1835 Arch St.	Philadelphia	215-636-9550
Osteria	640 N. Broad St.	Philadelphia	215-763-0920
Palumbo's Grill	2104 Chestnut St.	Philadelphia	215-557-1999
Shula's 347	111 Crawford Ave.	West Conshohocken	610-941-5600
Taqueria Puerto Veracruzano	1446 S. Eighth St.	Philadelphia	215-334-7000
Tiffin Store	710 W. Girard Ave.	Philadelphia	215-922-1297
Tokyo Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar	1613 Walnut St. 2nd floor	Philadelphia	215-751-9993
Zot	122 Lombard St.	Philadelphia	267-639-3260

New Nightspots

Name	Address	City	Phone
James Lounge	824 S. Eighth St.	Philadelphia	215-629-4980
Mexican Post	1601 Cherry St.	Philadelphia	215-568-2667
Osteria	640 N. Broad St	Philadelphia	215-763-0920
Rum Bar	2005 Walnut St.	Philadelphia	215-751-0404

Coming Soon

Aprons

This new BYO in Germantown (5946 Germantown Ave.), whose cuisine will combine its partners' African-American and Italian heritages, should have its loose ends tied up by early April; the space's previous occupant, Geechee Girl Rice Café, has moved up the way into larger quarters at 6825 Germantown Avenue.

Chick's Cafe & Wine Bar

A total redo of the old Chick's Bar (614 S. Seventh St.), it should be up and running for late spring with a menu of small plates.

Clementine's Bistro

This Euro BYO with a daily changing menu expects to open in early March in the space that used to house Albertino's (1617 E. Passyunk Ave.).

Legal Sea Foods

Its first Philadelphia-area location is expected to open in late March at the Court at King of Prussia (160 North Gulph Rd.).

707

Ryan Margolis, who worked for Stephen Starr, is readying this American bistro and bar for a mid-April opening in Center City (707 Chestnut St.), where it will boast a front cafe, a large center bar and a more intimate dining room. According to Margolis, it will cater to Washington Square scenesters.

Good Deals and Other News

Philly Bans Transfats

On February 15th, the mayor signed an ordinance prohibiting Philly restaurants from using spreads or frying oils containing trans fats (the artery-clogging substance found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils) beginning this September. By September 2008, restaurants must eliminate trans fats entirely.

Bootsie's

Throughout March, this Center City Med is offering half-off a second entree Mondays–Wednesdays, as well as a comped glass of wine with the purchase of a dinner entree Thursdays–Saturdays.

Cantina Los Caballitos

Has added weekend brunch.

Deux Cheminées

Chef-owner Fritz Blank says he will close his Classic French mainstay in mid-June to retire in Thailand.

Harry's Savoy Grill

This Wilmington mainstay has reopened after a $750,000 renovation.

Honey's Sit 'n Eat

Now open on Mondays, this Northern Liberties breakfast-luncher has expanded into weeknight dinner service till 10 PM.

Indonesia

The family that ran the defunct Indonesia in Chinatown is looking to open its next incarnation in late March at 1725 Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

All six locations will mark St. Patrick's Day with a $19.95 Irish-themed beer-pairing menu, including potato leek soup with Irish stout and horseradish-crusted salmon with Anvil ale.

La Boheme

This Center City French has added lunch service and received a liquor license. BYO is allowed until April 1st – then it will be permitted Tuesday nights only.

¡Pasión!

Only 10 seats at the chef's bar are available for its two new tasting menus offered on Tuesdays ($35 per person, includes three courses) and Thursdays ($100 per person, includes five courses and wine), begining at 5 PM.

Black Door