Under the Table

The 2002 James Beard Award nominees have been published. Once again, Philadelphia is well-represented with candidates in a bevy of categories: Marian Uhlman of the Inquirer Magazine , for magazine or newspaper writing on nutrition or consumer food issues; Guillermo Pernot, of ¡Pasión! and Trust , and Aliza Green for their ¡Ceviche! Seafood, Salads, and Cocktails with a Latino Twist , for book award, single subject; Morimoto , best new restaurant; Le Bec-Fin , outstanding wine service; Pernot and Striped Bass ’ Terence Feury for best chef, mid-Atlantic; and Jim Coleman’s A Chef’s Table on WHYY for best radio show, long format. The awards reception is May 6.… Speaking of James Beard, Joel Assouline is the latest Philadelphian scheduled to cook at the renowned Beard House. His crew from Caviar Assouline heads to NYC March 23. Call 215-627-3000 for details.

Palm GM Alex Plotkin has resigned to start a wine consulting company, according to Jeff Phillips, the steakhouse chain’s VP of marketing down in D.C. Phillips says they’ll be one of his first customers and the door will always be open for him if he wants to returns. The buzz from a few ex-employees says Plotkin was difficult to get along with. Plotkin could not be reached.… Shula’s Steak House , in the Wyndham at Franklin Plaza, has made a handful of changes: in as executive chef is Phillip E. Jason Jr., an alum of The Restaurant School who trained at the Four Seasons Hotel under culinary luminaries Jean-Marie LaCroix, Tony Clark and current executive chef Martin Hamann; longtime concierge Brenda Mendte is business development manager; and Stephen McNeill is being dubbed official head coach of the Shula’s team.… In 1939, Danny and Joe Di Bruno opened their eponymous House of Cheese in Philly’s Italian Market. More than 60 years later, a third generation is close to opening a second gourmet takeout shop, Pronto , near the flagship store along Ninth Street.… There’s a sign outside Sabooor (213 Chestnut St.) stating "Grand Reopening Soon." Does this mean same restaurant, new ownership? Same ownership; new concept? Their phone rings and rings.… I hear the ownership group from The Plough & The Stars has signed a lease to take over the property that was most recently Cheap Art Café (260 S. 12th). The plan is to open in a few months. Sketchy details include: Irish fare, two bars, sidewalk seating, French windows. Plough partner Jerome Donovan confirmed having interest in a new project, but declined to divulge details.… London Grill is whipping together its annual "Newish Jewish" Passover Seder — on March 27 and 28, the restaurant will offer a four-course Seder for $35.… In the next few weeks, Arroyo Grill will tweak its Southwestern menu. Chef/owner Derek Davis will take the concept a bit farther south and west, adding dishes that are true to authentic Mexican cuisine.

Marc Kravitz is the author of the $18 and UNDER dining guide. The 2002 update is now available at area bookstores.