New Jose Garces!!

Woo-hoo! A new sibling to Amada, Tinto, and the soon-to-open Distrito will be coming to Wash West, as Jose Garces is taking over 707!! No concept yet, other than general yumminess! Big day for food news!

Raw to Boyd's!

Now you can get some sushi with your suits, as Raw is set to open any day now upstairs at Boyd's (1818 Chestnut). Good luck Tony and Binh!

Cantina Los Caballitos and Royal North!

The owners of town faves Royal Tavern and Cantina Los Caballitos are opening a new place, Cantina Dos Segundos at 931 N. 2nd Stret in NoLibs. Expect 11 different types of marg mixer, a huge tequila selection, and the same high level cooking as the other two places. July opening, with brunch to start on weekends soon after!

Melograno Out

July 27 will be the end of the line for Melograno, the popular BYO at 22nd and Spruce. It'll be replaced by Meme from David Katz. (That's French for "same" - aren't we smart??) No concept yet, but he hopes to sell liquor. Hopefully he'll take reservations, too. Jillaelphia always hated that about Melograno - standing for no reason is no fun...

Anyway, Melograno will be relocating, and set to open at 2010 Sansom in September.

And He's Outta Heeerrreee..

Larry has been canned by Channel 3 - the station made it official just moments ago. We'll see where this goes, and what resolution for the FBI investigation...

We're BAACCCKK (again)

This time from the beautiful US Virgin Islands - ah, lovely.
And what do we find out almost immediately upon landing? Chaucer's, the great neighborhood gastro-pub that has been a fixture at 20th and Lombard, has closed after this weekend. No word yet on what will replace it - we'll keep you updated! Meanwhile, it's Welcome America week, so check out all the activitites (too many to list!) at www.americasbirthday.com!

Lane and Mendte - Happy Now?

TO please our anonymous commenter (Mike, is that you?) we will comment on the Alycia Lane-Larry Mendte issue, which we've avoided because it seemed so yucky. However, in today's Inqy comes a story that sums up our icky feelings, and puts both sides on the table. They've both been fired, but things are not always as they seem. The story deals with facts from Lane's lawsuit, and fills in some holes. While we are not saying that she is a total ingenue, every story has two sides. Read and decide for yourself:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080625_Jill_Porter__Alycia_Lane_parries__illuminating_herself_-_and_us.html

I Scream, You Scream

Our personal favorite part of Welcome America kicks off Friday the 4th at Penn's Landing. The All-You-Can-Eat Super Scoop Ice Cream Festival will run from noon-5PM from Friday through Sunday the 6th. Saturday night has additional hours of 6PM-9PM. The cost? A mere $5, for ALL YOU CAN EAT ICE CREAM!! And, it goes to a good cause, as proceeds support the Joshua Kahan Foundation, dedicated to fighting pediatric leukemia. So come on - who doesn't like ice cream? Only Communists...

Something after all...

Ask and ye shall receive:
Drinkers, Vango and Byblos, all in the Rittenhouse area, were closed as a result of raids on Saturday night. However, all was cleared through L&I, and the clubs allowed to reopen.

BTW

Given the below post, we are open to receiving press releases and other info anyone might want to send our way. Get some more stuff and some more readers... let us know...

Lord, is it Monday??

We've waited all day, scouring the interwebs for some Philly news. We got nothing. Today has not happened. No openings, closings, parties or police actions of note. Sorry.

King of Tandoor is Open for Business

Welcome to King of Tandoor, the latest in a series of new restaurants dotting the stretch of Callowhill between 18th and 19th. It's white-tablecloth Indian with take out available. Stop in and check it out.

Sofitel is SAVED

Stephen Starr has announced that he will NOT be redeveloping Chez Collette at the Sofitel, as was previously reported. While we're big fans of Starr in general, we also think the close location of G Lounge provides the neighborhood with enough d-baggery as it is... Yay!

The Sofitel says a remodeling will take place regardless of the presence of a partner. That's ok too.

Viva El Fuego

El Fuego, the dee-licious Tex Mex at 8th and Walnut, opens it's second location sometime next week (July 5th-ish) at 2104 Chestnut. Patrons can order a beer or marg at the register and take it to their table themselves. Convenience, thy name is cheesy quesadillas...

We're BAAACCKKK!!

Back from vacation on the lovely and HOT Riviera Maya in Mexico, and back to find out that Philadelphia has turned into an anti-Constitution police state in the meantime. Four 20 somethings were detained by police and cited by L&I for three cod violations. And then locked evicted from their home, which is still locked up. Why, you may ask? Because they circulated some "anti-police" petitions. Which made the cops angry. Which made them want to "drum up charges" against the youths. Last time we here at Jilladelphia checked, being anarchist is one of those pesky things protected by the Constitution - one of our rights, if you will. While it may seem unpalatable to those pro-police forces out there, unless one actually breaks the law, one is allowed to protest in many different forms. Gross, Philly PD. Just gross.

Nude, Lewd, Rude? No, Naked Chocolate!!

New Naked Chocolate coming to 18th Street in October. The always dee-lish, tough to walk by chocolatier located now at 13th and Walnut will expand its reach to 18th just north of Chestnut. Same menu, more seating and possibly a patio where one can fight off the autumn chill with a rich cup of cocoa!

Table 31 Opens Plaza Cafe

Table 31, the new steakhouse by Chris Scarduzzio and Georges Perrier, has opened it's outdoor cafe and kitchen on the plaza of the Comcast Center (JFK side, between 17th and 18th). It looks like a refreshing spot, replete with fountains and tables with HUGE umbrellas. Good luck landing a happy hour spot for the next three months...

The Fountain Hits the 21st Century

New to the old Fountain - closed circuit flat-screened TVs installed so viewers can watch head chef Martin Hamann at work. Diners can reserve a private room to watch the magic happen, then have those same dishes delivered to their table within 10 seconds of the grand finale on-screen. It is not, however, cheap. There's a flat booking rate of $250, which is separate from lunch prices of $48-$68pp and dinners from $98-$138 (all without wine). However, if you've for some cash burning a hole in your pocket, it sounds like the new innovation will make for a really complete dining experience.

Update: Tiedhouse

We've received word from Kristin Leonard, owner/proprietor of Tiedhouse that they are hoping for an August open. Tiedhouse is taking over the old Goji space in Cityview Condominiums. Check out our initial report here: http://jilladelphia.blogspot.com/2008/05/tiedhose-small-world.html

SONIC IS COMING!

Sorry for screaming, but Jilladelphia LURVES all things cherry flavored, and Sonic's years of teasing with their cherry-lime soda (Right?? There's nothing on Earth that sounds better!) has us all revved for the announcement that finally, FINALLY Sonic is coming to the area. First one is opening in Royersford soon. Ah sweet, sweet cherry-lime soda, you will soon be ours. Mwa-ha-ha-ha!

Breaking News...

There is no news when it's this hot out. If we find something (anything) worth reporting on today, you'll be the first to know. Meanwhile, enjoy the AC.

Whoa - Bye Bye Striped Bass!

Striped Bass will close at the end of the month for some serious re-tooling, and will reopen as a steak, AND fish-, house. We'll bid welcome to Butcher & Singer Steak and Seafood in the fall, a 1940s type supper club. We think the building's current ambience fits that bill nicely, and in the meantime, hit up the soon to open PArc for all your Starr-fix needs!

Early Dismissal

Sadly not for most Jilladelphia readers, but maybe for some of thier kids. Philly and other area school districts are either closed or are closing at lunch due to the heat emergency. We don't remember getting to stay home for heat, do you??

Art in the Park

Starting today is Rittenhouse Square's Fien Arts Festival. See works by internationally famous and locally infamous artists, and have something on your walls people can recognize!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10-6!

Bye-bye Sansom Street Oyster House

But only for a little while. Current owner Cary Neff (who also has Coquette in QV) is in bankruptcy protection, but the restaurant is expected to reopen under different management, the property owner's son...
Phew.

Bye-bye Top Shelf

Top Shelf, the really gross looking old-man bar at 15th and Arch, is about to close. We here at Jilladelphia have a soft spot for the old watering hole, though. We spent many a quiet summer afternoon there in 2003, and while it's replacement, Big Bang's, a seafood restaurant, will be a definite step up, we'll take a moment of silence...

BIKE RACE!!!

It's that time of year again, time to sit in the sun in the Manayunk Hills and watch other people exercise while toasting them with frosty drinks. Yes sir, it's Bike Race time!! Sunday on the Parkway, Fairmount Park, Manayunk - really, wherever you can pull up a chair. Get out there and enjoy the heat with fun people.

Manayunk Arts Fest Dates

The Manayunk Arts Fest, the largest outdoor craft show in the country, will be held this year on June 28 from 11AM - 8PM and June 29 from 11AM-6PM. Affordable things that look pretty on your wall, made by people you might know. Again. Do it.

Tequila Heaven

Welcome Azul Cantina at the corner of 10th and Spruce, across from fellow newcomer Kanella. It's a Mexican and thankfully bears little resemblance to it's predecessor, the barely-edible Sauce. They've got 50 different kinds of tequila!! 40 seats and a VERY large menu. Late night options till 1AM. Let's check it out today!

Table 31 hits a Triple

But not quite a home-run. Jilladelphia was at newly opened Table 31 in the Comcast Center last night to check it out. The service was a bit sloppy in teh beginning, not able to locate a reservatio, a hostess, or our rather large party when we arrived. Things picked up when we got to the table though. With a great list of isgnature cocktails, our minds were quickly taken off the sit-down. Had the delmonico - FAN-tastic. You should go before it's booked up ALL the time, which it will be. We'll be outside all summer long on the patio. Find us at 17th and JFK.

Indian Cooking Classes

Palace at the Ben is offering an intensive 4 week cooking class, teaching the intricacies of Indian cuisine. For $150, you get 4 classes and all materials needed for class. learn how to make classic Indian dishes, and how the flavors blend together. First class is Monday, June 23 and each Monday thereafter through July 14, from 6:30-8:30PM.

Palace at the Ben834 Chestnut St.(267) 232-5600http://www.thepalaceattheben.com/