NOW SEATING
Rice & Mix | A new Korean quick-service from Giwa owner Yong Chi, Rice & Mix specializes in bibimbap, the popular specialty of pork, beef or chicken mixed with egg, rice and vegetables, often in a lava-hot dolsot (stone bowl). The 60-seater operates on a burrito-shop-style system — you can watch them build you a custom bibimbap or select from a menu of four favorites. Other items include dup bap (meat over white or multigrain rice), jap chae (the most famous Korean noodle dish), galbi (grilled short ribs) and, soon, bulgogi cheesesteaks and Korean fried chicken. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. More on Meal Ticket. 1207 Walnut St., 215-574-3500, riceandmixonline.com.
Lil' Pop Shop | Cali native Jeanne Chang is slinging frozen treats made with local ingredients at this new sweet spot in West Philly. Pops from her daily-rotating selection, which has recently featured choices like Vietnamese coffee, strawberry-rhubarb lemonade, mango chunk and peanut-butter curry, run three bucks each. Chang also has a mobile pop cart, the whereabouts of which you can track via Twitter: @lilpopshop. The shop's hours: Tue.-Sat., noon-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. More on Meal Ticket. 265 S. 44th St., 215-222-5829.
Ortlieb's Lounge | The new-look Ortlieb's, relaunched by Avram Hornik of Four Corners Management, doesn't have much of a new look at all; it's still got the crimson-lit vibe, centralized stage and old-timers' bar, but plush banquettes have freed up the room. Live jazz still has its place on Tuesday nights, but the other evenings are dedicated to funk/soul (Wednesdays), DJs (Friday-Saturday) and standup (Sunday). Ten beers on tap complement a bill of fare with Southern/Tex-Mex touches. More on Meal Ticket. 847 N. Third St., 267-324-3348, ortliebslounge.com.
LITTLE VITTLES
Blues/barbecue venue Le Cochon Noir (5070 Parkside Ave.) closed on Sunday. Jamal Parker says he'd like to launch a mobile 'cue operation in the future. More on Meal Ticket.
Melissa Torre of Cookie Confidential (517 S. Fifth St.) has partnered with baker Lexi Malmros, who creates local booze-infused cupcakes under the name Beer Cakes. Malmros' wares will be available starting June 7. More on Meal Ticket.
