Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Aug 27, 2008

>> NOW SEATING

This Mediterranean restaulounge from cousins Nick and Billy Lavdas and head chef Peter Karapanagiotis made its debut earlier this week. The dual-story space boasts plenty of Old City-style polish — lighting schemes, Italian bar stools, cut wall stone imported from China and the like. Karapanagiotis' multi-tiered menu features progressive Medi plates like "surf & turf souvlaki" (scallops, Hereford beef tenderloin, sage juice), "sword on a sword" (herbed swordfish skewers with Mediterranean germolata) and braised calamari with deviled tomato compote and shaved kasseri cheese.

>> WAITING LIST

Fudge duchess Liz Begosh of Betty's Tasty Buttons is saying mid-September for her sweets shop/farm table/CSA drop-off. All Begosh's confections will be available for retail purchase, but we're most excited about her plan to serve nightly local-focus dinners for groups of six to 12 using ingredients from West Chester's Highland Orchards. Get the hell in there before it becomes the next Talula's Table.

RAW, which rolled out an 80-seat courtyard in June and a bento box-y lunch café in Boyd's in early July, is growing again. GM Jesse Lee says the sexy sushi spot will introduce SumoLounge, an "upscale, bottle service type of lounge" on the Chestnut Street side of the property. There'll be light food and plush adornments. The addition should be open to the public by the end of 2008.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

>> Cochon (801 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-923-7675, cochonbyob.com) has introduced Sunday brunch. Dishes include Nueske's hamsteak served with fried eggs and a maple-bourbon glaze and build-your-own frittatas.

>> The old Tiki Bob's location at 461 N. Third St. will soon be occupied by Buckhead Saloon, a national bar/live music chain with locations in Pittsburgh and North Carolina.

Marble Giant
Christian Rock
The Week In Eats
Ocean City Sweet Treats
You Ask We Answer
Small Bites