Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

A new eatery from Bruce Cao and family, Le Viet brings a wholly different Vietnamese vibe to South 11th Street, which already features lots of pho-and-otherwise competition. For starters, Le Viet is easily the prettiest entrant on the strip, with lots of glossy wood and metal, a separate bar and high-back black leather chairs. Chef Sinh Cao (Bruce's father) is offering an affordable 50-item menu. House signatures include pho dac biet; a slow-simmered traditional tomato-based crab soup (one pot a day, so get there early to call dibs); plus bun (rice vermicelli) and grilled meat/rice entrées. What separates the cooking here are the festive presentations, which match the polished feel of Le Viet's interior. A liquor license is on the way; they are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WAITING LIST

The Diving Horse is the name of the seafoody BYO the Pub & Kitchen team will debut June 1 at 2109 Dune Drive in Avalon, N.J. Jonathan Adams will cook dishes like fried oysters with potato salad and pancetta remoulade and Barnegat Bay scallops over pearl pasta.

LITTLE VITTLES

Iannelli's Bakery (1155 E. Passyunk Ave.) is in the process of remodeling its space into a sitdown café, says owner Vincent Iannelli . They're going to expand their food offerings, with sandwiches, panini and "Pasta Sunday" dinner options. They're aiming to complete the renovation before the summer.

The building that houses Flying Monkey Deuce (1112 Locust St.) is also undergoing renovations, which means Rebecca Michaels' café will have expanded seating room, probably by June. The spot remains open during the project.