Of all the restaurants that have faded in the last 10 years, the one that people seem to care most about is Minar Palace, a hole in the wall at 1605 Sansom St. that was forced to close last year in the name of development. Owner Tarsem Singh is still working on a comeback, and the place in mind is a larger space at 1304 Walnut St. He told me today that everything hinges on an appearance next week before the city Zoning Hearing Board. Assuming the ruling is in his favor -- and odds are in his favor, because it's what appears to be a straightforward variance -- he hopes to get Minar up and running in 60 to 90 days. Meanwhile, if you crave Indian food (albeit dishes of a more upscale variety): Wednesday (12/12) will be opening night at Bindi, 105 S. 13th St., a BYO run by the partners who own Lolita.
Update: Yes, you can't hurry curry. The opening of Bindi has been delayed till Thursday 12/13, The dry run was Tuesday night, and they say they just want to refine a few things.