Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

Tuscany, the well-heeled Rittenhouse Square café, rolled out its second location, in the former Caramel, about a month and a half back. The beverage and menu choices are similar to the original, with a selection of espresso drinks, fresh-made sandwiches/wraps and the like. As far as the infamous "no studying or laptops" policy employed by the original? We haven't pressed our luck (don't really study; don't own a laptop). But if you so dare, report back and let us know what happened. Bite This: Washington Square office workers will be pleased to know Tuscany offers catered box lunches, sandwich platters, salads and more.

>> WAITING LIST

This upcoming Japanese spot from the folks over at Fuji Mountain is aiming for Dec. 8 for its grand opening. Back in April, we reported that it'd be called Zen Setsu, and that the dining concept will be based around kaiseki, a traditional type of Japanese tasting menu that often tops out at more than a dozen courses. Since then, the name has changed, but the kaiseki influence remains; the major difference, according to GM Joseph DePalma, will be that individual dishes will be offered separately, as opposed to coursed. (DePalma won't name his chef, though he lets on that he/she has formal kaiseki training.) Behind the bar, expect a sake selection that will eventually top 50 choices, 18 wines by the glass and a reasonably priced wine list that'll feature atypical choices (Rieslings from Alsace, West Australian Sauvignon Blanc, etc.). DePalma assures that the 100-seat space, formerly the Smoked Joint, has been completely overhauled. "If you can find any trace of the old Smoked Joint in Kai, I'd be shocked," he says.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

Mount Airy's Trolley Car Diner (7619 Germantown Ave.) has overhauled its middle dining room to make way for a Jewish deli. Co-owner Ken Weinstein (former owner of Cresheim Cottage Café) says they'll be offering meats and cheeses, rotisserie chicken, panini, fresh bagels, hoagies/sandwiches and a local/microbrew beer selection. Grand opening is set for Mon., Nov. 26.