>> NOW SEATING
China native Kenny Feng opened this Internet cafe last week. They've got a solid variety of bevs, from traditional greens to bubble tea, that fruity concoction with chewy tapioca pearls. As far as snacks, look for Asian pastries, sushi and salads. Feng's 20 computers run on warp-speed T1 lines; access costs just three bucks an hour. Bite This: A direct quote from a history of bubble tea that Feng cheerily offered me: "They are also known as 'boba' drink in Western China because it is described as to having the same texture as the female breasts." Kenny, you are fucking awesome.
We first heard about Shaun Smith's emphasis-on-quality takeout/sit-in spot last August, but it didn't officially open until Jan. 8. He says that neighbors are steadily spreading the word about the menu, which features 100-percent Angus beef burgers and Buffalo chicken wings. They're open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and they deliver in and around Center City. Bite This: Boar's Head is the deli meat of choice for the spot's hoagies and sandwiches.
>> WAITING LIST
Ragen Lowek and Colleen DeCesare, who met while working for the Jazz & Java chain, will open this 30-seat cafe and kitchen on Jan. 20. They've wisely decided to serve La Colombe coffee and espresso to accompany their breakfast and lunch menus, which'll feature eggs, pancakes, wraps, paninis, soups, salads and the like. Bite This: Lowek promised that she'd be making homemade cookies and muffins on the regular. In the immortal words of Jagged Edge: Let's get married.
Duran Smith used Craigslist to snag this location, which formerly housed Next BYOB. Smith's a 30-year Philly restaurant vet who headed the kitchen at Liberties; Smith's wife, Laurien Boyd Smith, is handling the front of the house. Their "East Coast American" menu will be ready to go Jan. 23; they're also serving an extensive Sunday brunch menu. Bite This: The pan-seared filet au poivre is served with a brandy cream demi-glace, garlic mash and sauteed veggies.