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Developer Bart Blatstein is including four new restaurants at The Piazza at Schmidts, the 80,000-square-foot gathering space surrounded by 35 boutiques, galleries and artists’ studios; 500 new apartments; and 50,000 square feet of office space in Northern Liberties. Eateries opening or about to open are: Vino, (215-923-2014), an Italian restaurant, wine bar and lounge; Darling’s Diner (267-239-5790), a retro-inspired homage to American comfort food; The Swift Half (215-923-4600), a pub with fresh, locally sourced food and an extensive selection of the region’s finest craft beers; and the-soon-to-open P.Y.T. Bar and Burger Joint, a hip indoor-outdoor venue serving an array of burgers, fries and shakes with an exciting entertainment line-up. All are ideal places for revelers to find refreshment. Note: The Swift Half is from David Garry and Heather Gleason of the popular Good Dog Bar & Restaurant. The Piazza at Schmidts, North 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, 215-467-4600.
The new Ken Shin Asian Diner offers an eclectic mix of stir fries, noodle dishes, tofu and vegetarian items and sushi. Expect a hipster vibe at this modern BYO. Ken Shin Asian Diner, 301 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, 215-925-8887.
Taking a page from restaurateur Danny Meyer's book, sans the shakes, Stephen Starr opened Burger Shack, a burger spot in Franklin Square, the newly redone park across from the National Constitution Center. Grilled-to-order burgers, kosher dogs, gourmet chips, pretzels and drinks round out the menu---everything is less than $5. The Shack is actually a tent---until the permanent structure opens by end of summer. Burger Shack, 200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, no phone.
Although it's been open for a few months, The Paddock at Devon recently announced its official "grand" opening. Popular for classic American comfort fare in a comfortable, casual setting, The Paddock, is owned by Joe Carney, of Carney's in Cape May and Steve Finley, a seasoned area caterer. Executive chef is Jeffrey Ebert. Specialties include baby back ribs, hickory smoked in-house, and Norwegian salmon, served with fresh spinach, roasted peppers, Gruyere cheese and a creamy mornay sauce. Live entertainment on weekends, Sunday brunch and a prime rib special every Sunday are a few of the restaurant's features. The Paddock at Devon, 629 West Lancaster Ave., Wayne, PA 19087, 610-687-3533.
All About the Lobster
Lobster prices are down, and David Einhorn at Seafood Unlimited is passing on the savings to crustacean loving customers. Every Tuesday diners can indulge in a lobster dinner at a substantial savings. The cost for a 1-1/8pound lobster, served with corn and house-made coleslaw is $19.50; for 1-1/2 pounds, $27.50 and 2pounds, $34. On Saturday nights, add a half pound of shrimp or oysters for just $22.50; 1-1/2 pounds $30.50; and 2 pounds, $37. Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-732-3663.
Zippy Sips at Distrito
Distrito has added new signature cocktails to its already fun menu (passion fruit margaritas? why not!), with names such as mistico, a shake of vodka with fresh tangerine and kiwi and the blue demon mojito, rum muddled with fresh blueberries and mint. One might also try the El Santo gimlet---named for the king of Mexico’s famed lucha libre, or free fight professional wrestlers which is a mix of reposado tequila with fresh lime juice and cilantro. Prices range from $6 to $12. Happy hour margaritas are $5 to $7. Distrito, 3945 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-222-1657.
"Meet the chef" Menu for $60 at Fountain
Although still not a cheap night out, $60 is a bargain (add $40 for wine pairing) to dine at the fabulous Fountain Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. New chef Rafael Gonzalez, who's worked alongside the likes of David Bouley and Jean-Georges Vongerichten before running his own kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, is introducing some of his favorite dishes and his signature global style to the three courses, available Tuesday through Thursday. A few options include beef carpaccio and braised short rib duo, roasted chicken breast with braised leg and sage bread pudding and a pineapple upside down cake with coconut ice cream and rum sauce that speaks to the chef's Cuban roots. Fountain Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, One Logan Sq., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-963-1500.
New Eatery Planned in Fairmount
There's a new spot under construction in Fairmount, from partners Savvas Novrosidis (Fairmount Pizza) and attorney David Orphanides. The concept is fresh, seasonal and as much organic as possible, with chef Tim Bellew (MANNA catering) in the kitchen. Look for a fall opening. Still under construction at 2028 Fairmount Ave. the restaurant is tentatively named L’Oca. Orphanides, a zoning attorney, says he and Novrosidis intend it as a “comfortable, clean, fresh” place that will “focus on the human experience.” They hope to open after Labor Day. L’Oca, 2028 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130, no phone yet.
Hot Potato Cafe Survives Hell
After three days of reported "screaming matches" with Gordon Ramsay of Fox's Kitchen Nightmares, HPC reopened with a new menu and some interior upgrades (upholstered banquettes in the waiting area, new lighting). A retooled menu features loaded potatoes with a variety of toppings, two types of potato salad, and potato-based entrees such as chorizo hash and shepherd's pie. Prices are $15 and less. The show airs in the fall. Hot Potato Cafe, 529 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125, 215-425-0905.
He'll be missed, but chef Thien Ngo has exited the kitchen at Fork for a life of retirement in his native Vietnam. Good news is that Terence Feury, last of Maia Restaurant & Market in Villanova, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia and Striped Bass, is taking on the job. Fork, 306 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-625-9425.
Closings
Susanna Foo, long the doyenne of pristine Chinese cuisine in Philadelphia, is closing her Center City restaurant, selling the real estate after 22 years. She wrapped up service on June 13, but Foo is far from out of the game. She plans to teach, write, travel and spend more time at Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen in Radnor, which is walking distance from her home. Susanna Foo, 1512 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, no phone.
Passage to India, a fixture on the 1300 block of Walnut Street for more than a decade, has closed. Look for (yet another) IHOP to take over the space. Passage to India, 1320 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, no phone.
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