NOW SEATING
Morgan's Pier | The past weekend saw the debut of this waterfront destination, Four Corners nightlife capo Avram Hornik's takeover of the old Rock Lobster/Octo. The revamped dockside spot will host live open-air shows/DJs weekly, but the food's a lure, too: David Katz of Mémé has developed a menu around the idea of a weekend cookout at a chef's house. Offered till 11 p.m. nightly, Katz has the fried market cornered (S&P squid, popcorn shrimp), but also runs lighter with choices like Baja fish tacos and grilled local corn. Sirloin and tuna burgers and Carolina pulled pork round out the sandwich selection, with a Little Baby's trike peddling ice cream for dessert. To drink: 20-plus drafts, 20-plus craft cans, summer-friendly wines and a full bar. (See our cover story and Meal Ticket for more.) Open Mon.-Thu., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 221 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-279-7134, morganspier.com.
Zen-Nor | Lauren Aukett, a first-time owner, has taken over the Queen Village space that's been Gayle and Hoof + Fin for Zen-Nor, a "Zen-themed" restaurant in terms of the décor (they've installed an idyllic pond in the space's back patio area) and the food, from chef Michael O'Mara, late of South Jersey's M/O Global Bistro. O'Mara has both Asian and French elements (edamame ravioli with Sauternes broth, braised short rib with teriyaki demiglace) on his menu for the BYO, which serves brunch as well. More on Meal Ticket. 617 S. Third St., 215-278-2650.
LITTLE VITTLES
Philly's location of Shake Shack, the burger-and-fry-slinging baby of NYC mega-restaurateur Danny Meyer, will open at 2000 Sansom Street on Wednesday, June 6.
Philly's first mobile frozen-yogurt truck — cutely named Gozen Yogurt, aw! — is vending at Love Park Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at 33rd and Arch Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. More on Meal Ticket.
The owners of West Philly's Manakeesh (4420 Walnut St.) are opening Bliss Juices and Ice Cream, a Lebanese-style smoothie and ice cream shop, adjacent to the West Philly café/restaurant. Should be ready in July. More on Meal Ticket.
Popular Laotian BYO Vientiane Café (4728 Baltimore Ave.) is in the process of doubling in size, expanding into the old Mariposa space next door. More on Meal Ticket.
