Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

Ben Gollotti, who's been selling sports memorabilia for 35 years, opened this combo shop — collectibles and ice cream! — in the Italian Market two weeks back. In terms of treats, they're offering Breyer's ice cream by the scoop, milk shakes, sundaes, banana splits and frozen novelties. His wife, Gloria DeLuca, is his partner; his stepson, local punk fixture Mikey Wild, has a gallery in the back of the space to sell his paintings. Hours: Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mon.

John and Stephanie Reitano just welcomed two new kids into their gelato brood. The first is a location on Passyunk Avenue ("CapoYunk"), sharing the old RosaLena's with Michael's Café (see p. 39); they commissioned South Philly artisans to restore the original counter stools for the space. The second location, on the ground floor of the Radian building, boasts a liquor license (wine, beer and cocktails soon) and a selection of sandwiches, salads, bruschetta, etc.

Aladeen (yes, like Aladdin — check out the window rendering of the street rat wielding a tray like a genie lamp) has put its flag down on a strip populated by quite a few comparable eateries (Shouk, Maoz and Chickpeas, to name a few). The menu is big, featuring apps like hummus and baba ghanoush; pita sandwiches; salads; and kebabs (shrimp, kafta, lamb).

LITTLE VITTLES