Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

Alex Orlov opened the first Philly branch of Crêpe Maker, a national franchise with locations in Florida, California, Tennessee and Texas, in 30th Street's food court on Dec. 29. The walk-up, which originated in South Florida, specializes in "hand-held" renditions of the French staple; the menu features breakfast, savory entrée, sweet dessert and kosher/veg options. Check out the Caesar, with chicken, melted mozz, grilled portabella mushrooms, tomato, romaine and dressing; or the "Very Philly," which features marinated steak sautéed with onions, shrooms and cheese. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

>> As first reported by the Inky's Michael Klein, the highest-profile closing of the young year is definitely Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio's Brasserie Perrier, which had been thriving for more than a decade at 1619 Walnut. We are certain the partners will not be sent reeling by this sudden price-per-square-foot-related shuttering.

>> Raindrop Café at 18th and Chestnut is done. Its other locations, at 1650 Arch and 1101 Market, are still open.

>> George Anni and chef R. Evan Turney, of Valanni and Mercato on Spruce Street, have sealed a deal for Azul Cantina at 10th and Spruce. It's said it will become a neighborhood pub.

>> Mémé (2201 Spruce St., 215-735-4900, memerestaurant.com) has started serving lunch on Thursdays (only) from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Choose from two rotating starter courses (think soup or salad) and two main courses (sandwiches, pasta, grilled fish, etc.). They'll also be doing a grilled flatbread of the day and a kids' menu. Chef/owner David Katz says he hopes to shake BYO mode and have his liquor license in the coming weeks.

>> Speaking of licenses, chef Joe Poon is also waiting on one for Joe's Peking Duck Original 1984 (108 Chestnut St., 215-922-0880, josephpoon.com) in Old City.

>> Primo Hoagies is opening a location in Wayne.

>> Drop by Du Jour Symphony House (440 S. Broad St., 215-735-8010, dujourmarket.com) after 7:30 p.m. any day during January and order two entrées. You will receive a complimentary bottle of wine. Sweet.