Also this issue: Spring Ahead Pigalle's seasonal menu is a Parisian delight. -Maxine Keyser

May 30-June 5, 2002

underthetable

by Marc Kravitz

Molly Russakoff owned and operated Molly’s Café (910 Christian St.) in 2001. After immediate success, she decided to expand; dinner and entertainment were on the horizon. The story quickly turned sour, as financial difficulties and managerial problems were too much to handle and, after just six months, Russakoff sold her restaurant (today, the property is the popular Sabrina’s Café). Fast forward to the present, to Molly’s Café & Bookstore (1010 S. Ninth St.) in the heart of the Italian Market. This time, Russakoff’s keeping the concept simple. “It’s really more of a high-quality used bookstore cafe than a traditional cafe,” says the affable proprietor. The tiny cafe serves cold breakfast fare, such as granola, fruit and other light, healthy foods and cheeses from nearby DiBruno Brothers; Sunday brunch consisting of bagels and lox will begin in the near future.

Ristorante Panorama, owned by the Sena family, is involved with a myriad of charity fundraisers throughout the year. On Mon., June 3, Carlo Sena and his brother, Luca Jr., will produce their own fundraiser, in memory of their mother, Donna, who was a victim of cancer. The event takes place at Sassafras Café (48 S. Second St.) and will feature the Sena brothers tending bar. All of their tips and a percentage of restaurant proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. ... Avenue B has initiated happy hour specials, Wednesdays through Fridays, from 5-7 p.m., including half-priced cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Also, Neil Stein plans to instigate a monthly "Chef's Night Out" at his upscale bistro. The plan is to invite area chefs in for an evening of food and drink (on Neil and partner Gabe Marabella) to build camaraderie within the restaurant community. For information, call Kelly Croce at 215-735-4899. ... Ettore Ceraso and James Colabelli of Davio’s recently taped spots for CN8's The Fretz Kitchen, the kitchen studio show that airs weeknights at 5 p.m. on the regional cable channel. The segments, consisting of food and wine pairing as well as other subjects related to restaurant wine service, will air throughout the year. Davio's, in addition to offering more than 225 wines by the bottle, allows patrons to bring their own on Friday nights. ... The Ivy Grille (3611 Walnut St.), located on the ground floor of the Inn at Penn, will close its doors on the last day of June, undergo renovations and reopen as Penne around mid-August. Throughout June, Sunday through Thursday nights, Ivy Grille is presenting a sneak preview of Penne's menu, offering a pasta appetizer, an entrée, a dessert and a glass of wine for just $20. I'll have more details on Penne, including info on their pasta laboratory, in the next month or so.

Marc Kravitz is the author of the $18 and Under dining guide, available at all area bookstores.