Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

Located right off City Line, Avril's a new BYO from former Daily News food writer/editor April Lisante and her chef husband, Christian Gatti. (The two actually met while Lisante was writing a story on up-and-coming chefs — aw, food love.) The 48-seater features a menu split between Northern Italian and Southern French traditions. What sets their game apart from other bistro approaches, however, is Gatti's reliance on delicate pastry preparations— you'll find plenty of bready elements here (profiteroles, brioche, etc.), all meant to steer diners away from the misconception that baking has to be heavy. Entrées include duck with a peach/endive tarte tatin, braised rabbit with polenta and more. They're open for dinner, with lunch and brunch coming.

The week-old Sakana ("fish" in Japanese) is taking 15 percent off all orders till Sept. 30 to boost business in its early going. Rolls on J. Sen's menu include the C.S.S. Maki (shrimp, tempura, eel, scallion, spicy sauce) and the Triplet Tuna (tuna, albacore, super white, scallion). Unorthodox hours here: Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., noon-9 p.m.; closed Sun.

Shank's and Evelyn's, the classic South Philly luncheonette, has hopped "uptown," and the address is pretty much the only thing that's changed — same lineage (the kitchen's run by Pamela Poppa, daughter of founders Frank and Evelyn Perri), near-identical grub (huge breakfast/sandwich selection, including that chicken cutlet; old-head dishes like tripe didn't make it), same staff and, of course, same crowds. They're open weekdays from 10:30 a.m. till 6 p.m.

LITTLE VITTLES