Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Dec 30, 2008

>> NOW SEATING

There is no better way to kick off 2009 than raising a pint at a brand-spanking-new baby bar. That's why you should check out Leigh Maida and Brendan Hartranft's Local 44, which officially opens for business today. The husband and wife (pictured), who are also part of the team behind Memphis Taproom, are bringing that popular pub's friendly beer-first approach to West Philly with 20 painstakingly selected beers on tap. Expect players from the U.K. (Coniston, Harviestouns), the States (Allagash, Russian River, Sprecher), Belgium (Cantillon, St. Bernardus) and more. The only bottle they'll offer? Orval, the Belgian Trappist brew that Hartranft says is his "favorite beer in the world." For food, they'll do a chalkboard menu crafted with "a lot of TLC." For more pictures, check out Meal Ticket.

>> WAITING LIST

Restaurateur Marty Grims (Moshulu, The Inlet, Du Jour) has two projects planned for the street-level courtyard separating Commerce Square One and Two. The first is the second Philly location of Du Jour Gourmet Market and Café, which opened this fall in the Symphony House. The second project, set to replace the shuttered Twenty21, will be a high-end pan-Asian concept; no name or timeline yet, but it's being designed by NY-based firm Jeffrey Beers International, so you know it's going to be swank.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

Fairmount's Mugshots (2100 Fairmount Ave., 267-514-7145, mugshotscoffeehouse.com) has expanded into a property adjacent to its corner stake at 21st and Fairmount, creating space for 35 additional guests. In addition to expanding the kitchen to allow for more in-house baking, they've added a dessert selection that features products from Bethlehem-based Vegan Treats as well as a rotating selection of six Capogiro gelatos. >> West Philly sweets spot Crispy Sweetie (434 S. 52nd St., 215-472-6065, crispysweetie.com), known for its kettle corn and candy, has added a selection of soups and other breakfast/lunch items.

Eating 2008
Luck of the Draw
The Week In Eats