Last March, Benny Lai of the popular Vietnam restaurant in Chinatown let on that he was planning a BYO offshoot in West Philly, next to Fu-Wah, a convenience store he owns. He was saying "summer" for the opening.
Now, it's safe to pencil in Jan. 21 for Vietnam Café, a 30-seater at 814 S. 47th St. (near Baltimore Avenue), open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone: 215-729-0260. Menu will be somewhat tighter than Vietnam's -- only 80 items.
Designer Jesse Gardner (Vietnam, Teikoku) calls the look "Chinese modern," with a sleek style befitting the neighborhood and the desire for quick turnover (students who eat and run).
Photo: April Saul (2001) / The Philadelphia Inquirer