Marty Grims (Du Jour, Moshulu, White Dog) has re-conceptualized his DuJour Gourmet at Broad and Pine into Chew Man Chu, a dumpling, noodle and wok restaurant. It opens today.

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Hopefully we’ll see you all on Broad Street!

Craig LaBan doesn’t have much bad to say about his trips to Girasole, the glitzy Italian restaurant just steps from the Avenue of the Arts, except for maybe some gripes about the price. But there is a three-course prix-fixe menu for $35 available every night but Saturday that mutes that complaint.

The most memorable flavors at Girasole, however, had a genuinely more homey touch. Even the complimentary opening nibbles – one night some delicate fritters of mashed potato, another night a creamy, herb-flecked mound of house-made ricotta – taste like someone’s mamma made them.

The pastas, in particular, were splendid. Delicate ribbons of house-made tagliatelle came tossed with shavings of fresh baby artichokes and smoky speck. The bucatini Girasole – essentially an amatriciana – wore the zest of rendered pancetta and a flicker of chile pepper in its fresh tomato sauce. There was an authentic seafood risotto filled with shellfish flavor (though a second try wasn’t quite as creamy and fully cooked as the first). My favorite, though, was Girasole’s twist on passatelli.

Two Bells – Very Good

Girasole [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Girasole [Official Site]

The new Tavern on Broad opens today. It takes over the JL Sullivan’s space beneath the Bellevue and it is out with the white leather and in with the rose. Also in is Union Truster, Terry White.

Thrillist has the details including how to get on today’s opening list.

Tavern on Broad [Thrillist]
Tavern on Broad [Official Site]

Phiz Fest, the Champagne and sparkling wine tasting is back for a second year. It will be Thursday, November 12th from 6pm to 8:30pm at the  Grand Ballroom of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue.

Sample a wide variety of Champagnes and sparkling wines. Local restaurants and food purveyors will offer a selection of appetizers, cheeses and foods.

Tickets are $65 per person, $120 for two and $220 for a group of four.  Tickets will be $75 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Phiz Fest [Official Site]

The Palm has added a new bar menu complete with requisite sliders, NY Prime cheesesteak, oysters shrimp and more.

From 5 to 7 and again from 9 until closing all items are available for just $3.50. And good news for our bargain oyster fans, during those hours oysters are just $1 a piece.

Check the menu after the jump.

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JL Sullivan’s in the basement of the Bellevue is reconceptualizing ast Tavern on Broad. The McFadden’s offshoot is aiming to reopen with this latest theme on September 17th.

A quick visit to their web site revealed Dexy’s Midnight Runners. So it can’t be all bad, right?

Tavern on Broad [Official Site]

If we had a dollar for every time someone asked us where to get crudo in Philadelphia we’d be penniless. But that doesn’t mean the Mediterranean equivalent of ceviche isn’t worth seeking out. Positano Coast has been on the crudo tip for awhile now and Girasole offers a selection as well.

Among the offerings at Girasole:

• Branzino, Mediterranean sea bass marinated with extra virgin olive oil, meyer lemon and mild mustard
• Ricciola, Spencer Golf Hiramasa Kingfish, marinated with fresh blood orange served with tomato and avocado
• Tonno, Port Lincoln Blue fin tuna, lime zests with drops of aged balsamic reduction.

Girasole is also offering prix fixe options for lunch and dinner. The lunch is available weekdays from noon to 2;30 and dinner is available Sunday through Friday, 5pm to 6:30.

Dinner menu after the jump.

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Through August 23rd, Capital Grille is offering a heck of a wine tasting. Sample 11 South African and Napa Valley wines selected by Sommelier George Miliotes. The unlimited tasting is just $10 per person with lunch purchase and $25 per person with dinner.

Master Wine Tasting Event [Capital Grille]

Broad Street’s Bliss is offering 50% off of its bar menu for the rest of the summer, weeknights between 4 and 6pm. And even better, you don’t have to be at the bar to enjoy the discount, it also applies to the sidewalk seating on Broad.

Empanada’s drop to $6, flatbread pizza is just $5 and there are three varieties of martinis available for $5 or less.

Deal of the Day: Bliss’ 50% Off Summer Bar Menu [UWISHUNU]