NOW SEATING
Underdogs | This new wieneriffic concept, from Philly front-of-house veteran Robert Amar (late of Fare), is literally subterranean — descend the staircase on 17th just off Walnut to have you way with a menu of more than 20 "haute" and "American classic" dogs. Local forcemeat specialists like Fiorella's and Czerw's are providing Amar with the linkage necessary for bunned eats like the "9th Streeter" (Fiorella's hot Italian, sautéed peppers and onions) and the "Warsaw Packed" (Czerw's kielbasa, sautéed onions, spicy mustard). Combos, which include a dog, house-cut fries with dipping sauce and a drink, top out at $8.25. It's open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. right now, with plans to eventually introduce late-night hours (till 4 a.m.) on Fridays and Saturdays. More photos and the full menu on Meal Ticket. 132 S. 17th St., 215-665-8080, underdogsphilly.com, @underdogsphilly.
Kung Fu Hoagies | West Philly seems like the ideal place to roll out an all-veg mobile operation — and that's exactly where partners Paul Davis and Steve Renzi are putting it down with Kung Fu Hoagies, their new sandwich and noodle stand. Vending from both Clark Park and 33rd and Chestnut, KFH carries vegetarian Viet banh mi, hoagies with tofu and vegan ham, coconut lemon grass vegan beef bowls and more. Though they're not a strictly vegan operation, their entire opening menu happens to be so. Check their Twitter for locations and menu changes. Photos and the full menu on on Meal Ticket. 43rd and Baltimore (Clark Park) and 33rd and Chestnut, 267-344-6259, @kungfuhoagies.
Jar Bar | Jennifer Richmond and Joel Odhner, creators of the popular Catalyst Cleanse system, have launched a complementary raw-food café and juice shop. Jar Bar's menu features Catalyst juices in addition to salads, soups and plates (a raw almond/flax/carrot/celery burger with jicama fries). They also mix smoothie-style "elixirs" you can enhance with additions like protein powder and hemp seeds. More on Meal Ticket. 113 S. 12th St., 215-923-1600, jarbarphilly.com.
CHECK, PLEASE
Le Bec-Fin (1523 Walnut St.) had its last service under the control of Georges Perrier on March 3. New owner Nicolas Fanucci is overhauling the space for its May relaunch. Read A.D. Amorosi's report from final night of service under Perrier's watch.
Healthy Bites to Go (2521 Christian St.) will stop operating as a retail café on March 18, but Katie Cavuto-Boyle will continue to use the space for classes and meal delivery. More on Meal Ticket.
Pennsport's Strange Brew Coffee (1321 S. Second St.) has closed. More on Meal Ticket.
Japanese/Mexi nook Café con Chocolate (2100 S. Norwood St.) has closed, seemingly temporarily, in deep South Philly. More on Meal Ticket.
