Food and Drinq

Stephen Starr tells Food & Drinq that he's signed a letter of intent to re-create the restaurant and the lobby bar in the Sofitel at 17th and Sansom Streets, now known as Chez Colette and La Bourse. Until the deal is official, though, he would not divulge name, concept or opening date.

Besides the Sofitel, here are the known Starr projects in the works:

1. Parc, at the Parc Rittenhouse at 18th and Locust.
2. A redo of Washington Square; concept TBA.
3. A gastropub at 706 Chestnut St., in the space that was Blue Angel and Angelina.
4. Chelsea Prime steakhouse and Teplitzky’s coffeeshop in the Chelsea hotel in Atlantic City.
5. A steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Starr also confirms that he and Marc Vetri have discussed a joint venture -- this was some time ago, he adds -- but both agreed that Vetri was too busy with Vetri and Osteria.

Below: In 2006, Starr playfully arm-wrestles manager Karin Haidorfer at Buddakan New York, just before its opening. Photo: April Saul / Inquirer Staff Photographer.

Chris Scarduzio and Georges Perrier are planning a more casual change of course at Brasserie Perrier (1619 Walnut St.) later this month, as the opening of the posh Table 31 in the Comcast Center draws nearer.

The thinking: "We don't want to cannibalize ourselves," says Scarduzio.

Among changes, some cosmetic (new waiters' uniforms), will be the menu, based on Brasserie Perrier's current lounge menu; it will cover the entire restaurant. Entree prices will sink substantially; top price will be $30. Since BP's opening in January 1997, critics have carped that Brasserie Perrier is not a brasserie. The changes may address that. "You'll be able to get a burger or steak frites in the back," Scarduzio says.

Table 31 is down for a May 2 opening.

Scarduzio, meanwhile, is returning to Atlantic City, where he and Perrier own Mia in Caesars. This time, he'll be a solo act.

Scarduzio's, a homey Italian at the Showboat, will occupy the space now taken by Casa di Napoli. (Scarduzio also says John Besh is opening a steakhouse next door.)

Scarduzio's, opening in the late third quarter of 2008, will have an antipasto bar, bread station, brick-oven pizza, charcuterie -- "the food I grew up with" in Overbrook.

Updated: 2:13 p.m.:

Grape Street Philadelphia in Manayunk has closed, confirmed Andrew Geigert, the club's booking agent. Talk is that its staff was sacked Saturday.

The club moved in 2004 from Grape Street into the former River Cafe/Chemistry space at Main and Jamestown.

A prospective new owner -- who asks for anonymity for now -- told Food & Drinq that he's waiting for the dust to settle.

Lots of Food & Drinq-ers read between the lines of a blind item on Jan. 21 and surmised that it was Ludwig's Garten that was about to close, in favor of a new spot from Jason and Delphine Evenchik of the nearby Vintage.

Right, they were.

Ludwig's (1315 Sansom) has closed, and will give way to Time (as "in time to eat, time to drink," Jason Evenchik says).

Evenchik says the physical changes will be cosmetic/cleaning. The bar (on the right) will have 20 beers on tap and more than 50 by the bottle, plus a serious liquor list (single malts, whiskies,rye). The dining room on the left will have what he called an "old school country-club menu but updated" -- "nice like Capital Grill and Smith & Wollensky, but not stuffy."

Opening: Second week of March.

The space at 38 S. 19th St. that was home to Bootsie's will become an Indian restaurant called Ashoka Palace, specializing in northern Indian cuisine, says owner Kinder Jit Singh.

It's two, three or four weeks out, he says.

Singh used to cook at Taj Majal at 19th and Chestnut and Passage to India at Juniper and Walnut.

With the Frida Kahlo exhibition opening soon at the Art Museum, the whizzes at GoPhila.com came up with a food-centric itinerary spread over a two-night stay in Philly. The itinerary is modeled after the "36 Hours" Sunday travel features of the New York Times.

The idea is that since the Art Museum will be the exhibition's only East Coast stop, lots of out-of-towners will need guidance. Here's another version of the itinerary.

Photo: "Me and My Parrot" (c 1941). Credit Nickolas Muray Collection, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin.

Vickers Tavern in Exton is down.

The outgoing message on its answering machine the other day said as much, without elaboration. I wanted to get a reason -- and maybe some info about whether gift certificates would be redeemable -- so I left messages there and at the home of owner Julie Blank Kronenberg, who bought the historic property in 1999. It had been operated for many years before that by Arturo Burigatto.

Kronenberg did not reply. And now the restaurant phone has been disconnected.

An article in the Daily Local says the place was closed for personal reasons, without elaboration. The property is being offered for sale. Price: $1.55 million.

Given the comments about the closing of Ludwig's on Sansom Street, there really does seem to be a clientele out there hankering for a bierhall -- albeit one with clean restrooms.

Just heard from a restaurateur who happens to be scouring the city for a location for his concept. He says he's narrowed the search. Here's his idea:

Family-style layout, big German beers (opposed to small ones), live oompah music occasionally, standard German fare (as well as some more modern, lighter, variations), and at least a couple of real German employees (not definite, but I think the dirndls are coming back).

Stay tuned, lieblings. And keep your lederhosen on. The restaurateur wants to roll out the barrel come Oktoberfest.

Don't get too excited over the list of James Beard Award nominees released today on New York Mag's site.

Of course, it's an honor for a chef or restaurateur to be included, but keep in mind that this is the big list that goes to judges (like The Inquirer's Craig LaBan), who help to pare them down to five names in each category.

Each of the categories has about 20 names now.

Awards ceremony — likened to the Academy Awards of food — will be June 8.

On the national stage:

Stephen Starr is up for restaurateur.

Marc Vetri of Vetri, for chef.

Vetri is on the list for service.

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, for wine service.

Kate Honeyman of the Starr-owned Continental Mid-town, for pastry chef.

Jeff Michaud of Osteria, Chip Roman of Conshy’s Blackfish and Michael Solomonov of Marigold Kitchen, for “rising star chef” (for those under 30). Michaud turned 30 last July. Solomonov turns 30 this September. Roman is 28.

Osteria (owned by Marc Vetri, Jeff Benjamin and Jeff Michaud), Tinto (owned by Jose Garces) and Xochitl (owned by Michael Solomonov, Steven Cook and Dionicio Jimenez), for new restaurant.

For best chef, mid-Atlantic, nominees are Alison Barshak of Alison at Blue Bell, Jim Burke of James in South Philly, Michael DiBianca of Moro in Wilmington, Jose Garces of Amada in Old City, Matthew Levin of Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, and Daniel Stern of Rae in University City.

How big is beer here? Organizers of the first of what they hope will be an annual Philly Beer Week point out that nearly every local craft brewer reported double-digit growth last year; that we drink more Belgian craft beer than Brussels, and that thousands of visitors travel to Philadelphia every year just to hoist a glass. Also, beer here employs no fewer than 16,000 workers, produces $422 million in wages and generates $122 million in taxes.

Why, Beer Week is so big, it will rage for 10 days -- March 7 to 16.

(It's intended to replace The Book & the Cook on the spring culinary calendar.)

More than 75 events are scheduled, including:

March 7. Joe Sixpack’s Philly Favorites: A tasting of the region’s best beers at the Marketplace at East Falls, with official launch of Don Russell's “Joe Sixpack’s Philly Beer Guide.”

March 9. The 4th Annual Brewer’s Plate. A festival pairing great beer with fine food from area restaurants, at the Independence Visitor Center.

March 15. The annual Michael Jackson beer-tasting at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, whose panel will be led by Don "Joe Sixpack" Russell. (Jackson, the renowned British beer critic and not the freak-show pop king, died last summer.)

March 16. Real Ale festival at Triumph Brewing in Old City, sponsored by Triumph and Yards. A taste of classic cask-conditioned ales.

Lots of other special dinners and events are planned.

Including:

+ On March 10, Alison at Blue Bell will team up with Yards Brewing Co. for a four-course dinner paired with beers ($65 plus tax and gratuity).
+ From March 10-13, McGillin’s Olde Ale House has four events planned:
Monday is a meet and greet with Victory Brewing Co.
Tuesday is "Tastes & Toasts" with Carol Stoudt and the crew from Stoudts Brewery.
Wednesday is a local breweries self-guided tour, at which 7 local brewers will stop at 8 local bars. It's pay as you go. Aterward, all the brewers will meet at McGillin's for a big after-party, starting at 10 p.m. Tastings from Iron Hill Vienna Lager; Flying Fish Bourbon Abbey Doubel; Troeg's Nugget Nectar; Sly Fox Seamus Red Ale; Nodding Head BPA; Dock Street Espresso Porter and Yards Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale for $2 each. No cover. Win prizes! Meet & Greet with Troegs Brewing Company on Thursday, March 13.

Photo: A flight at Triumph in Old City. Photo by Michael Bryant / Inquirer Staff Photographer

The "fun" part of writing "Table Talk" is bringing you the scoop on restaurant openings. (I mean, why simply fixate on the gazillion other restaurants out there?)

Here's a rundown, by no means all-inclusive, on restaurant projects. There's some “new news” herein as a few projects recently have come together.

While scanning this list, you'll see restaurants that have appeared in my previous lists or columns. Take note that EVERY one of them has been delayed from initial projections -- sometimes by nearly a year. You can't force a crucial part to be delivered; you can't compel a health inspector to come out; you can't pry money out of recalcitrant investors; you can't simply start serving alcohol.

* Pearl, the high-style pan-Asian from the Red Sky guys (artist's conception at right) at 1904 Chestnut St., is saying “Feb. 29.” This will confuse the heck out of people down the road when they try to celebrate its anniversaries.

* Devil’s Den, the gastropub at 11th and Ellsworth in South Philly, was checked late last week at “two to three weeks out.”

* Jin House, the resurrected Wash West Chinese joint, should be opening “in March” at 1117 Locust.

* McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant says “March 15” for its new spot at 941 Haddonfield Rd. (Town Place at Garden State Park) in Cherry Hill.

* Talk is “March” for the resurrected Minar Palace at 1304 Walnut St.

* Konstantinos Pitsillides is hoping for March 25 (Greek independence day) for the opening of Kanella, his Greek-style Cypriot BYOB, at 10th and Spruce Streets.

* King of Tandoor Fine Indian Restaurant, specializing in barbecue, will fire up the tandoor at 1824 Callowhill St. in “late March.” Owner Mohammed Islam also has Joy Indian restaurant in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Two doors down, at what was Savannah, I hear that a gastropub is going in; owner supposedly is a bartender who wants to fly under the radar to thwart his boss.

* Zahav, the Israeli in Society Hill being chronicled in an Inquirer blog, is still on target for “April 1,” no fooling.

* Azul, the casual Mexican from GiGi’s George Markakis at 10th and Spruce, is looking at “April 1.” (Markasis says he’s in the process of selling GiGi to a partnership that includes Stephenie LaGrossa, formerly of the reality show Survivor.)

* Les Bons Temps is the name of the creole-cajun spot from John Mims and Howard Taylor at 114 S. 12th St., the former TPDS, Odeon and Bistro Bix; opening is “April.”

* Union Gourmet Market & Cafe, in the new Western Union condo building at 1111 Locust St., says "early April."

* The Waverly, a New American from chef Michael O’Halloran of Bistro 7, is up for “April” at 412-426 S. 13th St.

* Stephen Starr says "April" for his gastropub at 706 Chestnut St. No name yet. He's also been cagy about the redo of Washington Square and the new project at the Sofitel.

* The long, long, dare we say LONG-delayed Maia -- the rustic but refined Euro/Scandinavian restaurant, cafe and food market at 789 E. Lancaster Ave. in Villanova -- is now up for “April.”

* Cooper's Brick Oven Wine Bar is the name of Bruce Cooper's new spot next to Jake's in Manayunk; he's aiming at "April."

* Alison Two, restaurant deux from Alison Barshak off Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington, is looking at “spring.”

* The return of Girasole, in new quarters at the Symphony House at Broad and Pine, is now up for “April or May.”

* 10 Arts, the bistro from Eric Ripert and Philly-bred Jen Carroll in the Ritz-Carlton, is up for “spring.”

* Table 31, the trilevel extravaganza from Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio, in the new Comcast Center, is down for “May 2,” Scarduzio says emphatically.

* Cactus Bar & Grill (4243 Main St.) is planned as a Southwestern restaurant/bar two doors from the Manayunk Tavern “this spring”; owners have the Bayou next door.

* Parc, Stephen Starr’s French bistro at the Parc Rittenhouse at 18th and Locust Streets, is now up for "June."

* Chilango, that’s Jose Garces’ Mex place at The Hub (3945 Chestnut St.), is now down for “June or July.”

* The owners of 333 Belrose in Radnor are working on a “gourmet backyard cuisine/steakhouse” with wood-fired grill and open kitchen, at a historic paper mill at Routes 322 and 30 in Downingtown. Name not confirmed, but they say “early to mid-summer.”

* Manayunk’s Chabaa Thai will open Mango Moon (4161 Main St.), an Asian fusion/small plater, “this summer.”

* Couch Tomato on Rector just off Main Street plans to expand “this summer” with Tomato Bistro.

* The third Sam’s Grill -- a comfort-fooder now in Jenkintown and Wynnewood -- is looking at “summer” for 11th and Sansom Streets.

* Chima, the Brazilian steakhouse chain at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, says “late spring/early summer.”

* Construction of Union Trust, the plush steak house at 717-719 Chestnut St. should be done by July. Soft opening should be in August, with a public opening after Labor Day, says partner Terry White.

* Put Del Frisco’s Double Eagle down for “late 2008” at the Grande (formerly the Packard Building) at 15th and Chestnut.

Chef David Katz says the restaurant he was putting together with investor Andrew Krouk at 24th and Locust Streets is not happening, after all. He tells me that Krouk -- who also owns the bricks of the popular nearby BYOB Melograno -- had won his initial hearing to transfer a liquor license into the space. Additional neighborhood objections popped up, Katz says. Rather than fight, they'll go back to the drawing board and will not take over the property. Meanwhile, Sandy's Lunch remains.

Restaurateurs daring to seek balance in their lives? Husband-and-wife team Andrew Deery and Sarah Johnson of Majolica -- the three-belled Phoenixville BYOB -- are going for it after the birth of their first child, Lila Jane Deery. (She waited till the end of the Valentine's Day rush and was born Feb. 15.)

Deery and Johnson have decided to close the restaurant for an additional day, Tuesday. As of March 1, Majolica will be open for dinner only Wednesdays through Saturdays.

They're doing it "not because we have to, but because we can," says Johnson. "We have been blessed with the birth of our first child and the addition of another day off for family is important to us on many levels."

Photo (c) 2006: Bonnie Weller / Inquirer Staff Photographer

Here's why Esquire was nosing around John's Roast Pork in South Philly in December.

John's roast pork with provolone was named one of America's top sandwiches. Francine Maroukian's blurb, which says the neighborhood "looks like a good place to dump a body," urges first-timers to go for the large sandwich, made on a seeded roll from Carangi's -- "molecular gastronomy at its finest."

Maroukian also gives props to the chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe and provolone from Shank’s & Evelyn’s in South Philly -- "the best morning-after sandwich in the world."

Photo: How it's done at John's. Photo by April Saul / Inquirer Staff Photographer

Michael Baer -- who ran Blue in Green, two of the city's coolest breakfast-and-lunchers -- is back in business.

But this incarnation, taking up less than 500 square feet in the White Building on the southeast corner of 12th and Chestnut Streets, is "Blue in Green" in name only.

It's focused on takeout; there are maybe 10 seats. He's baking his own breads, muffins, biscotti and scones in the back, so the sandwiches (straight-ahead tuna, ham/Brie, tomato/mozzarella) taste fresh.

Salads from his display case include his old favorite, mixing Belgian endive and house-made sesame-raisin dressing. He's also doling out a fine cup of coffee from Seattle micro-roaster True North Roasting House. Cups are 79 cents as an opening promo.

For now, hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. He's closed Sundays. There's no landline yet, so walk in.

An up-and-coming restau-bar in town is expanding, and this is one design feature that will be unveiled March 7 when it'll be part of Philly Beer Week.

Can you name the place -- and specify what this design feature is all about?

Here's the answer: It's Zot -- that quirky Belgian grotto at 122 Lombard St. in Society Hill. Marking their first anniversary, owners Tim Trevans and Bernard Dehaene are redoing things. The wine bar in the front of the first floor will be moved upstairs, in favor of two beer bars. Upstairs, besides the new wine bar (where wines will be available by the bottle only), they're installing a sports bar. And this is where the bathroom fits in. It's the bar back. Behind that tiled wall behind the tub is a refrigerator box, and beer lines will be punched through. Beer spillage will go into the tub and down the drain. The sink is functional. So is the rubber ducky soap dispenser. Why? Why not, Trevans said.

After three years in the works, and about eight months of construction at 1904 Chestnut St., Pearl is expected to open for dinner Sunday (2/24). The "grand opening" will be Friday (2/29). It'll be open nightly from the dinner hour till late night.

Pearl -- occupying a former Little Pete's -- is owned by David, Scott and Sean Stein of Old City's Red Sky, with lawyer/club promoter Brett Perloff, Sean and Scott's childhood buddy from Upper Dublin. The name just sounded right to them, Perloff says.

In a nutshell:

* Two stories -- a white dining room and bar on the first floor; a dark lounge, DJ booth, plus private room overlooking Chestnut Street on the second floor.

* Sophisticated pan-Asian menu from executive chef Ari Weiswasser, a Striped Bass alum.

* High-style, modern design from DAS Architects, which went for a look of, well, pearlescence. Wall coverings are lit with LEDs that pick up the details of the ribbed fabric and can change colors. Beaded curtains create separation.

Upstairs, there are four large “pearls” or seating areas for bottle service for groups.

* Figure on $40 to $50 per person. Your results may vary.

That's Weiswasser (seated) with Sean Stein at left. (The photo's by Eric Mencher of The Inquirer.)

During my walk-through Thursday, the scene was typical of preopening: boxes all over the floor and carpenters ripping through last-minute things. General manager Sky Strouth was stocking the downstairs bar.

Following is the menu:

Raw
Alaskan King Crab Leg $18
Oysters: Royal Miyagi $2.50, Kumomoto $3
4 pc Emperor Crab Claws $12
4 pc Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $15

Sauce selections: palm sugar cocktail sauce, lemongrass aioli, grated ginger mignonette

Spicy tuna tartar - cucumber, miso, crispy red onion $11

Yellowtail sashimi - jalapeño, citrus, radish sprouts, Himalayan pink salt $12

Salad

Soy-chile vinaigrette - curly endive, hearts of palm, mandarin, crispy calamari $12

Togarashi chicken caesar - baby red and green romaine, sweet and spicy cashews $13

Sweet onion vinaigrette -boston bibb lettuce, grapefruit, tomatoes, tamarind peanut butter $9

Soup

Peking duck - Asian noodles, white flower mushrooms, siracha and Thai basil $11

King prawns - hot and sour, pineapple and saffron, coconut milk, jasmine rice $12
(vegetarian option available)

Hot Appetizers

Peking duck springroll - sweet corn nage, thai basil, chinese mustard $8

Flash-grilled hamachi - citrus marinade, cumin-nori mustard, asian pear $16

Broiled miso cod - sweet and sour scallion, shiso leaf $17

Tempura rock shrimp - Macadamia nuts, dried pineapple, broad bean mayonnaise $14

Jumbo lump crab cake - frisee, shaved radish, fried capers, lemongrass aioli $14

Lacquered pork ribs - Indonesian soy sauce, grilled pineapple, cilantro $12

Tempura beef short rib - red jalapeño, wasabi mayonnaise, ponzu $14

Vegetable dumpling - shiitake mushrooms, scallions, ponzu $8

Steamed pork pot stickers - minced scallion, ponzu $9

Seafood

Grilled yellowfin tuna - pickled shanghai cabbage, shaved chilies, balsamic endive, green onion jus $26

Broiled two-pound lobster - ginger-butter crust, eggplant, tomato, bok choy, gingery jus $MP

Pan-roasted salmon - pad Thai noodles, xo long beans, cilantro $22

Braised king prawns - kefir lime, coconut rice, asian bouillabaisse $28

Meat

Cashew wok chicken - Asian vegetables, jasmine rice, oyster sauce, black bean leaves $18

Roasted mallard duck - braised swiss chard, confit leg, sweet and sour daikon, tamari almond emulsion $27

Pho-braised short ribs - scallion mousseline, gingered carrots, red wine jus $26

Seared filet mignon - shiitake potato pancake, royal oyster mushrooms, tamarind worcestershire $33

Vegetable/Sides

Steamed bok choy, ponzu sauce $7

Royal oyster mushrooms $8

Jasmine rice $5

Shiitake potato pancakes $7

Indonesian bbq baby eggplant, togarashi pepper, thai basil $8

Something Sweet

Cocoa pot de crème, anise caramel, cinnamon, powdered ginger $7

Asian pear tartlet, yuzu curd, sesame ice cream, sweet sake liquor $7

Flourless chocolate cake, thai basil cream, marinated strawberry $8

Mochi ball trio, assorted selections $7

Ice cream selection: sesame vanilla bean, tamarind peanut $7

The lighting can change colors throughout the place. Here's a cozy corner upstairs.

Smart guy, that Jonathan Makar at Snackbar. When he learned that the Wawa a block away at 20th and Locust would close Thursday (2/28), he decided to add grab-and-go coffee, doughnuts, bagels, fruit and juices and open early. Starts Friday 2/29. “With the exception of the hoagies to order, we’ve got our neighbors covered,” he says. That includes fine papers like the Inquirer and the New York Times.

Snackbar will serve the breakfasty stuff from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. seven days. The American bistro is open 5 to 11 p.m. daily, though bar is open till 1:30. On 3/3, chef Jonathan McDonald also starts a five-course $55 tasting menu nightly.

That's Makar at left with chef Jonathan McDonald; photo by Clem Murray / Inquirer Staff Photographer

Fox TV, trying to drum up eyeballs for its new series "Unhitched," has tied in with South Philly's venerable Texas Wieners stand (1426 Snyder Ave.) on Friday (2/29) and Saturday (3/1). The first 500 people in line each day will get a free "Unhitched dog." Limit is one per customer.

Why hot dogs? A Fox spokesman tells Food & Drinq: "We were brainstorming ideas of how to get the word out on the show and ... we saw one of the outtakes of a photo shoot we did with the cast, where they were gathered around a grill [below]. From there – we thought of the tag line “From the wieners that brought you 'There’s Something About Mary' and 'Dumb & Dumber' was funny and appropriate."

"Unhitched" premieres Sunday 3/2 at 9:30 p.m. on Fox.

Toto Schiavone of Moonstruck in Fox Chase confirms that he's close to a deal for a second restaurant. It's the property known as Blueberry HIll at Route 611 and Almshouse Road in Doylestown Township, now being redeveloped. His space would be inside the barn.

You may recall the Inn on Blueberry HIll, which was operated in the property's manor house until December 2003.

The Bucks County Courier Times ran down the development in December.

Schiavone says he will elaborate on his plans once a lease is signed.

Colleen's on the Parkway -- one of Center City's popular wedding/mitzvah venues -- is due to close in early March after 25 years in Park Towne Place's South Building.

Barry S. Slosberg Auction will sell the equipment on site at 10 a.m. March 13, a Slosberg rep tells Food & Drinq.

Park Towne Place and Colleen's owner Les Friedman have been embroiled in litigation for months over the lease. Friedman tells Food & Drinq that Park Towne wants a fitness center in his space. Park Towne and its attorney have not returned repeated phone calls.

Meanwhile, Friedman says he is notifying clients and will return deposits. He says he will work out of the Holiday Inn on Packer Avenue in South Philadelphia, which may satisfy some clients. They're out of luck if the Holiday Inn has a booking for that date.

Colleen's was also known as Les & Joey's when Friedman's then-partner Joe Volpe worked for him. Volpe left a few years ago to open the Cescaphe Ballroom in Northern Liberties and recently got the contract at the Curtis Center.

1:30 p.m. update:

Francesco Martorella and his partner Ed Snider have bowed out of Bliss, on the street level of the Bellevue at Broad near Locust. The deal was signed last night (2/26).

Staff will hear this afternoon from Martorella and the new operator, Chris Dhimitri, who plans few initial changes.

Dhimitri says he wants to keep everyone. "It's a very, very good restaurant," he says, though it needs "a face" in the front of the house.

The Bliss name will remain for the near future, Dhimitri says. "I have 74 million ideas,"
he says, adding that he won't close to redecorate. (How novel.)

Dhimitri is an old-timer in the business. He opened Kanpai at the former NewMarket in 1976, and closed it in 1988. A year later, he opened Chris' Jazz Cafe at 1421 Sansom. He sold that in 1999 -- it still bears his name. He'd been taking it easy since. More recently, he consulted for Olive in Cherry Hill and last year ran Oyster Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten.

Martorella did not wish to talk about his future, but through a spokeswoman offered his e-mail address: fmartorella@hotmail.com. His sous chef, Anthony Goodwin, is expected to remain for the foreseeable future, I hear.

Wanna buy an old inn?

The circa-1740 Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville, Bucks County, which has nine overnight rooms and British-royalty-festooned dining rooms, will be auctioned off on March 10.

The listing says the owner is a commercial pilot who wishes to return to the skies.

Yesterday's Bellevue news was the changeover at Bliss.

Today's scoop: The new occupant of the downstairs space at Broad and Walnut, last occupied by Zanzibar Blue, will be J.L. Sullivan’s Speakeasy, a sports bar restaurant from East Coast Saloons, which operates McFadden's.

Consultant Harry Hayman emphasizes that J.L. Sullivan's -- named after East Coast Saloons owner John Sullivan -- will be considerably more polished than a McFadden's. Hayman knows the space well, as he helped open Zanzibar Blue there in the mid-'90s. Among East Coast's holdings is Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge in Louisville, which has expansion plans into Kansas City, Houston and London.

Otto Design Group, retained for J.L. Sullivan's, is aiming for cool lighting and a slick feel.

Opening is on tap for "spring" -- deliberately vague.

Some Food & Drinq trivia: Name as many previous occupants of that basement space as you remember.

Tip o' the hat to the Bellevue's Anna Iredale for the research.

Photo: Zanzibar Blue's former entrance. from www.gusto.com

Almost from the opening day of Tinto a year ago, chef Jose Garces wanted to expand to the storefront next door, which also happens to the northwest corner of 20th and Sansom Streets. (Nothing like a corner.)

Construction crews have been hammering away, and here's a sneak peek at what patrons will see in the next couple of weeks.

The contrast between Tinto's original space and the expansion is dramatic; Tinto is dark and cozy, while the new space is sunlit. On warm nights, the Sansom Street side promises to be inviting.

The first photo is taken from the back, facing 20th Street. The wall for wine bottles at left is the party wall with Tinto's main room; note the steps.

The second photo is shot from the Sansom Street side and faces the party wall.