Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

Open for about two weeks just off the corner of 18th and Sansom, Bish Bish is a Mediterranean/American café that does both takeout standards (pizzas, cheesesteaks, burgers, stromboli) and Middle Eastern snackage like falafel, shawarma sandwiches, kebabs and hummus. Ooh yeah, breakfast, too — omelettes (the Meat Lovers has onions, peppers, bacon, ham and sausage), pancakes, French toast and waffles await all ye groggy, hungry people. Delivery is available.

>> WAITING LIST

This ambitious rebirth of what was once West Philly nuisance club Koko Bongo is being spearheaded by owners Ned Taddei and Patrick Hughes and exec chef Ross Essner (formerly of Django, and more recently the Taproom on 19th). It's two separate but adjoining concepts — the Blockley will serve as an indoor beer garden and music venue, with a taut, affordable menu of snack-size plates, salads, sandwiches and platters (grilled bangers and mash, organic fried chicken, mussels and frites). Mary Oaks, on the other hand, will carry more of an upscale gastropub feel — 24 beers on draft, an 80-item bottle list and 40 wines by the bottle and glass. Oaks' menu is broken down into small/medium/large plates, with entrées like grilled whole American red snapper and prime hanger steak. Taddei says they'll be open by the end of this month. To see the full menus for both spots, check out citypaper.net/mealticket, category: Menu Time

>> LITTLE VITTLES