Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

This new quick-service Moroccan spot is the handiwork of Mounir Draissi, a local restaurant vet who last worked as the director of operations for Bonté. He's specializing in fast, affordable Moroccan-style sandwiches. You get your pick of meat (choices include lamb, smoked salmon and roasted chicken) and veggies stuffed into fresh-baked Moroccan whole-wheat flat bread. Many veg options, as well, including salads and sandwiches filled with hummus, baba ghanouj or zaaluk (roasted eggplant purée). Check out the full menu on Meal Ticket.

Chef David Teich has run Who's Hungry, a budget-priced takeout/delivery hub based out of the kitchen of Fairmount's Green Room, for the past two months. Right now he's hiring drivers to get his food to eaters around the Art Museum, but the menu's available to all Green Room patrons, as well. Teich cooks up panini, grilled wraps and heartier options like stir fries and braised Cajun barbecue ribs.

Late 2008 or early 2009 should see the opening of D.P. Dough, a national campus-focused chain, out in West Philly. D.P. specializes in baked-to-order calzones; there are around 50 varieties of the menu (e.g. the "Danger Zone," hamburger, cheddar, Mexi seasoning, onions and hot sauce), but you can also build your own. They'll deliver and run late-night hours.

Chef David Gilberg has left the Ugly American (1100 S. Front St., 215-336-1100, uglyamericanphilly.com). He's now at Bar Ferdinand. Former sous chef Merlot Pagnatti has taken over the Pennsport gastropub; the menu's staying largely the same, save for the addition of some new veg options. The veg meatballs on the mushroom po'boy, for example, are now available over house-made fettucine.