Learn which of Philadelphia sandwich is a finalist for the Today Show’s “Best Sandwich in America,” we promise you’ll be surprised. Also the area around 30th Street Station is a good one for happy hour and the addition of Slainte is sure to make it more so. And also don’t forget that tonight marks the official opening of The Belgian Cafe, the latest from the Fergie/Tom Peters empire.

Mmmm, Sandwich [metro Philadelphia]

Rejoice Fairmount, The Belgian Tavern is set to open next Wednesday. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Knock has had its soft opening and is set to start serving pork chops with chocolate sauce. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Al Paris’ Italian restaurant has a name, Bombino’s. It’s about 5 weeks out. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Eric Ripert of New York’s Le Bernardin is looking to open a Philadelphia bistro in early 2008. [New York Times]

G Lounge is a subterranean lounge looking to open in November at 17th and Chestnut. Food will be from the same kitchen as Davios which is upstairs. Also coming soon is Urban Saloon to 2120 Fairmount Avenue. “The name should be a tip-off of the concept, but final details are still being worked out.” [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Fo a complete list of restaurants, bars and lounges that are everywhere from days away from opening to still on the drawing boards check out the Foobooz Openings page. There’s a lot on deck!

It’s day four of our photo essay on restaurants that are opening soon. Today we take a look at some spots in West Philly and Fairmount.

First stop today is the Belgian Cafe. The latest from Fergie and Tom Peters will bring a Monk’s vibe to Fairmount.

More after the jump.

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Long regarded as Belgium USA Philadelphia is getting an influx of new Belgian bars this summer.

• Teresa’s Next Door – New spot along restaurant row in Wayne is looking for an early June opening.
• Belgian Cafe – The latest from Fergie and Tom Peters will bring a Monk’s vibe to Fairmoun sometime in June.
• Beneluxx Tasting Room – Just around the corner from Eulogy this spinoff will take up in the downstairs cavern where SoMa once was.
• Beneluxx at the Broad Axe Tavern – The Brad Axe Tavern in Blue Bell dates back to 1681 and will be Mike Naessens third location.

Belgian taverns debuting all over [Philadelphia Daily News]
Joe Sixpack [Official Site]

A name! A name! Michael Klein’s Table Talk reveals the names of a couple of anticipated spots in Fairmount. Monk’s 2, Monk’s on Fairmount is going to be known as The Belgian Cafe and the former Cuvee Notredame is going to be Stephens Green. The Cafe doesn’t have an opening date as Fergie and Tom Peters are awaiting construction permits. Stephens Green, a co-op between James Stephens of Black Sheep and Jeff Keel of Bishop’s Collar, are aiming for mid-June. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Gabe Marabella of Marabella’s fame is back at it with Salt Water Beach Cafe on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Opening day is Saturday for the year-round restaurant. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

A Mandarin Restaurant is now open at 2102 Chestnut Street. Joseph and Li Liu previously owned Mandarin Garden at the corner of 18th and Chestnut. Expect Chinese favorites and some other Asian standards. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Two Potbelly Sandwich Works are on the way. The Chicago-based chain will bring its take on toasted hoagies to 399 S 34th Street and then to 1200 Walnut Street in July. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

A couple of famed live music spots are no more as both the Barbary and the Pontiac have given up the ghost. [Ice Pack, City Paper]