Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

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Pasqual Cancelliere's late father, John, with whom he ran Butcher's Café until 2004, was Italian. His mother is a native of Argentina. So what nicer way to honor his parents than opening an Italian/Argentine BYO on Ninth Street? That's just what Cancelliere's planning to do with 943, so-named to avoid any cultural concession to one country or the other. His menu will consist of classics from both traditions — we're most looking forward to checking out fresh empanadas and seasoned cuts of meat served with secret-family-recipe chimichurri sauce. A spring opening is expected.

Look for this combination beer and coffee shop, from South Philly Taproom's John Longacre, to open in February. The shop, at 15th and Mifflin, will feature a 500- to 600-bottle mix-a-sixable selection on the beer end. As far as the beans go, Aaron Ultimo, formerly of D.C.'s well-regarded Murky Coffee, will handle all java, with plans for educational coffee classes and cuppings.

A Chipotle location opens in West Philly today, Jan. 15 (3925 Walnut St., 215-222-0632, chipotle.com). To celebrate, they're giving away free burritos. (See What's Cooking for more details.)

>> Martin Grims (Moshulu, Du Jour) has partnered with White Dog Café founder Judy Wicks to operate the West Philly institution (White Dog Café, 3420 Sansom St., 215-386-9224, whitedog.com), granting the local/sustainable matriarch more time to concentrate on her volunteer work. Grims plans on opening a second White Dog in Wayne.

>> Mac 'n' cheese restaurant Swallow Bistro (Liberties Walk, 1030 N. American St., 215-238-1399, swallowbistro.com), which closed temporarily in December, is back in action. Hours: lunch daily, noon-2:30 p.m., and dinner daily, 6-10 p.m.