offthemenu

Opus 251 has closed for business, and it’s for good, according to the managers of its longtime location at the Philadelphia Art Alliance. And already plans are flooding in for a new use of the space, widely regarded as one of the most elegant dining rooms in the city. According to Sylvia Watts McKinney, executive director of the Art Alliance, there are plenty of prospective restaurateurs showing interest in taking over its lease. "We are very, very interested in a new proposal," McKinney says of the change. "At this point we’re looking at eight or nine organizations and individuals." The Mediterranean-influenced spot had been in operation since 1997 and was run by Bryan and Lydia Marton. For now, though, McKinney is focused on finding its next tenant. "We are hoping to make a decision as soon as possible," she explains, though she won’t pin down a more precise time frame than the next month or two. While it helps to be expedient, she continues, "there has to be a sensitivity [in the proposal] to the fact that this is a historic building." The Wetherill mansion, in which the Art Alliance has been housed since 1926, was originally built in 1906. But the classic setting doesn’t limit the style of the future restaurant to that of the earlier Opus: "Every operator will have a different way of handling [the space]," McKinney hints.

In short:

Kevin Meeker, who owns and runs Philadelphia Fish & Co. (207 Chestnut St.), has just opened Philly Fish Express, a concession stand located at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Meeker will run the joint himself, bringing a wide-ranging seafood menu to A.C.'s junketeers, including a jumbo lump crabmeat sandwich, fried shrimp and seafood salads.

Angelina (706 Chestnut St., 215-925-6889) and Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut St., 215-988-1799), Stephen Starr's kitschy trattoria and Cuban hothouse, respectively, have just announced their new three-course, $35 prix-fixe menus designed for the pre-theater crowd. Alma de Cuba offers dishes including Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche and a skirt steak known as vaca frita; Angelina offers a choice of pastas, and both finish off with a chef's selection for dessert. Available at Alma de Cuba Sun.-Thu., 5-6:30 p.m. and at Angelina Sun., 4-6:30 p.m. and Mon.-Thu., 5-6:30 p.m.

Valentine's Day looms -- and reservations at local tables are disappearing fast. The Radisson Plaza-Warwick (1701 Locust St., 215-735-6000), as part of their weekend overnight package, promises guests their specially concocted Valentini martini. To make it for yourself -- er, your valentine -- mix Absolut vodka, cranberry vodka and dry vermouth, shake and pour into a glass garnished with a lemon twist and a candy heart. This super sweetener was designed by Jim Alden, bartender at the Warwick for the past 14 years.

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