Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

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Published: Nov 13, 2007

>> NOW SEATING

Open for more than a month, the latest installment of Massimo Taurisano and Carrie Lapp's Euro-fied espresso bar city chain is within short trudging distance of City Hall — Nutter will most definitely be up in there. At nearly 2,000 square feet, it's the largest of the seven Academias in the city. (Taurisano says he plans on doubling his locations by the end of 2008.) The menu here has expanded to include more panini choices — nearly 30 in all. Bite This: Even the pickiest panini-ers can't whine about the charms of the Orlando (bresaola, Italian brie, arugula, mayo).

>> WAITING LIST

The Public House Investments gang, which runs Public House and Mission Grill here in Philly in addition to concepts in New York and Denver, is ever-so-close to debuting this sports bar in the former Independence Brew Pub. At more than 12,000 square feet, the space is undergoing massive remodeling — including the installation of nearly 40 high-def plasma screens — before its tentative December opening. It's worth noting that Field House will not be an on-site brewery like its predecessor — partner Gary Cardi says they'll have 10 draught selections and 25-bottle cold case list.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

Chef/owner Nick Farina's Blush (24 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-7700, dineatblush.com) recently completed construction on a separate bar area. A marble bar top, couch seating and gas fireplace make it comfy for guests to sidle up and sample from the newly introduced bar menu, which features choices like Kobe sliders, artisanal cheeses and spiced fruit chicken wings. >> The Headhouse Farmers Market (Second and Lombard streets, thefoodtrust.org/php/headhouse) will be open Wed., Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., so you can pick up any last-minute stuff for Thanksgiving. Drop by the Web site this week if you're interested in pre-ordering turkeys from Griggstown Quail Farm or Mountain View Poultry. Also, though the plan was to shut down for the season at the end of this month, demand has motivated the Food Trust to keep the market open on Sundays through Dec. 23.

 

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