Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

Owner Owen Kamihira and chef Jen Zavala have finally unveiled El Camino Real, right next to Kamihira's Bar Ferdinand in Liberties Walk. The restaurant celebrates food from both sides of the Tex-Mex border, and thus there are two separate but equally hunger-inducing menus on offer — the barbecue side, which features Wagyu brisket, beef ribs, shaved pork loin and grilled seitan (all meats are available as platters, with Texas toast and two sides); and the Mexican portion, which features enchiladas, salads, gorditas and burritos filled with everything from carnitas and chorizo to chitlins and tongue. Drink-wise, expect bourbon and tequila lists, margaritas and pint-glass cocktails.

This small-plates restaurant from Chabaa Thai chef/owner Moon Krapugthong soft-opens on Dec. 19. Spread out over two floors, MangoMoon is a liquor-licensed affair that showcases Krapugthong's experience with flavors from throughout Asia. Menu breaks down into "Tiny," "Small" and "Medium" dishes, with an assortment of drinks, desserts and gratis starters. Highlights include a baby octopus salad with celery, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, basil and lemongrass; pan-roasted coconut and sun-dried rock shrimp wrapped in Vietnamese mint leaf; and grilled pork neck served with chili-lime sauce.

>> WAITING LIST

Seasons 52, an upscale wine bar concept with locations in Georgia and Florida, should open in Cherry Hill in the spring of next year. The concept: a health-driven, regularly rotating seasonal menu (52 as in the weeks of the year) that employs not-that-greasy techniques like open-fire grilling. They offer a 120-bottle international wine list, with half of that selection available by the glass.

>> LITTLE VITTLES