Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Oct 9, 2007

>> NOW SEATING

Kellyann and Chad Beene's new watering hole is earning tons of positive buzz in a Fairmount neighborhood known for being tough on newcomers. (Case in point: A previous tenant in the Saloon's space tried out an alcohol-free concept that, for some reason, didn't catch on.) Don't worry: Between the 12-tap system and growing beer and wine lists, there's plenty to drink this time around. Chris Kaufman, who's worked under Jose Garces, offers up inventive pub grub, with a burger menu and a selection of burritos (BBQ chicken, flank steak, vegetarian, etc.). Brunch kicks off this Saturday. Bite This: Kellyann says the peanut butter bacon burger is quickly becoming a signature. Mmm.

Open for around a month, Mike McGarvey and Matt Duffin's new shop is poised to buck a few time-honored flattop grill norms — that a steak joint can produce only so many options, for example. The cousins, who hail from Northeast Philly and MontCo, respectively, have come up with tons of fixin-based variations on the classic — hot honey chicken cheesesteaks, the "Junk in the Yunk" (steak, fries, chicken fingers, American cheese and Whiz), "Money Sauce" (spicy Russian dressing) and more. Bite This: Behold, Duff's Thanksgiving Dinner sandwich: hot turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberries and cheese on a roll.

>> WAITING LIST

Bruce Cooper recently shared a few details about his still-in-the-planning-stages casual bistro, which he plans on having ready by the spring of 2008 in the storefront next to his long-running Jake's Restaurant. The concept will be based around international wines (30 by the glass); eats-wise, expect small plates, salads/sandwiches, pizzas and hearty "en cocotte" entrées oven-baked in cast-iron cookware.

Andrew Krouk, the investor behind the ultra-successful Melograno (2201 Spruce St.), has confirmed that he's working on bringing a restaurant to what was last Sandy's Lunch at 24th and Locust. What's the concept? Who's the chef? Yeah, right. "I am a huge believer in not rocking the apple cart," says Krouk. Luckily, one piece of fruit happened to fall off: Krouk let on that he's seeking a liquor license.

 

All reader comments are subject to our Terms of Use. By clicking Post Comment, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to these Terms.

Name	please enter your name
Email (will not be published)	please enter a valid email
Comment	please enter a comment
Enter the security code on the right in the textbox below.
Security Code	please enter the code
	Join the City Paper Mailing List

Pint, Pass & Kick
Lunch Drunk Love
Kefir, Grain O'er Me
The Week In Eats
Apples and Cheese, Please
Salento
Small Bites