Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

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Published: Apr 29, 2008

>> WAITING LIST

Philly club vets Heather and Charlie Collazo — she's poured drinks and he's designed sound/lighting systems everywhere from Transit to Pure to 8th Street Lounge — are taking over purported "nuisance bar" Jesse's Tenderline Café to open The Institute, a combo neighborhood tappy and casual lounge, within the next month and a half. The downstairs will carry an "antique look," with oak paneling and a copper-finished tin ceiling; upstairs will feature a bolder color scheme with a DJ booth and a roof deck. They'll have a 12-tap system upon opening, with eventual plans to double the draught offerings; by summer's end, a simple menu will feature sandwiches and burgers all priced under $10.

May 15 is the projected grand opening of this upscale sports bar concept from the owners of McFadden's. Taking over for Zanzibar Blue, Sullivan's will feature about 4,500 square feet of what GM Michael Churbuck calls "fun space" — 34 plasma TVs, a white onyx-topped bar, 360-degree banquette seating and private "luxury suites" are a few of the features. Churbuck uses the word "malleable" to describe the day-to-night progression of the spot, which can transform from a relaxed lunch sitdown to a club feel thanks to features like a movable DJ booth. Billy Magee, a 4 Corners vet, is putting together a bar program heavy on craft beers and old-school cocktails; chef Jason Peabody (Lacroix, Four Seasons, Nectar) will offer a small plate/large plate menu featuring refined takes on American classics — truffled mac 'n' cheese, Carolina barbecue, sliders, lobster thermidor and so forth. This Philly location will serve as the template for the brand, which eventually looks to go national.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

>> Food & Friends Neighborhood Market (1933 Spruce St., 215-545-1722) opened for business at the corner of 20th and Spruce on Wednesday, April 23. Check out more pictures and info on the Clog.

>> Union Gourmet Market & Café (Western Union Building, 1113 Locust St., 215-238-8800, uniongourmetmarket.com) officially — finally — opens for business today, May 1. Somebody get me a pizza please. 

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