We snapped some pictures of the menu at Lynda’s Mediterranean over the weekend but we didn’t see any indication that  the East Passyunk Avenue spot was open. But today we received word that the restaurant has been open for a couple of weeks. Talk about a quiet opening!

Anyway, check out the couscous and tagine rich menu after the jump.

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The Food Network has named a top burger from all of the 50 states and the network puts the Royal Tavern’s Royal burger at number one for Pennsylvania.

The thick patty comes on a brioche bun with caramelized onions, bacon, gouda, chili mayonnaise and pickled hot peppers.

Picking one top burger is fraught with peril, but we admit, we do love us the Royal Burger.

50 States, 50 Burgers [Food Network]
Royal Tavern [Official Site]

Owner Clark Newman has to be pleased with the glowing 2-bells review for his Lucky 13.

It is chef Benjamin Johnson, though, Newman’s fedora-topped compadre in the kitchen, who puts Lucky 13 on the map of gastropubs that are worth heading to for dinner. Like the pub’s smart beer selection (five taps and 20 bottles), his affordable menu is concise but distinctive, with cheeky twists on familiar flavors, from “deconstructed” meatballs to sausage and peppers gone exotic.

“Punk-rock grandma cooking” is how Johnson characterizes his creative take on comfort classics, which may not be a surprising angle from a chef who grew up at a West Philly commune and whose rebellious streak even extends to the conventional white toques he shuns in favor of “nicer lids” such as a bowler or Panama.

Two Bells – Very Good

Lucky 13 [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Lucky 13 [Official Site]

Adam Erace does some fuzzy math in order to figure out when the Capogiro might be opening on East Passyunk. He figures late this month, same with the University City location.

Here’s hoping he’s right.

East(Passyunk)bound & Down: The Scoop On The New Capogiro [Blogalicious]

Are you ready to step into the Octo? Rock Lobster which was closed all last season is coming back as Octo, complete with an octopus tank. [The Insider]

Novita Bistro on South Street has a new menu, focusing more on Moroccan dishes than their previous Mediterranean menu. [Meal Ticket]

A quiet buzz is building for Bibou near the Italian Market. Former Le Bec-Fin Executive Chef Pierre Calmels is behind the project and the menu looks promising. [The Insider]

Talula’s Table has signed a temporary lease on a corner property directly across from America’s most difficult reservation. If they get the financing, Aimee Olexy and Bryan Sikora imagine being up and running within 6 months. [Meal Ticket]

Transit hasn’t been an everyday spot for awhile now but word is it is no more. [Ice Pack, City Paper]

Flavors of the Avenue is a victim in Vince Fumo’s downfall. The festival has been cancelled as Fumo-backed Citizens Alliance has dropped out from cleanup duty. The local business improvement district can’t foot the $20,000 bill. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Wegman’s Downingtown location will begin selling beer by the end of the month.

The folk behind Thai Pepper, Flavor, Azie and Teikoku in the ‘burbs is now opening Parker’s Prime, a steakhouse in Newtown Square. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Tony Luke’s The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone took home the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the Philadelphia Film Festival/Cinefest. [The Clog]

Le Virtu will be serving Abruzzese summer food in the garden next to their Passyunk Avenue restaurant. Expect lamb chops, sausages, steaks,shrimp, calamari, vegetables and smoked mozzarella all cooked on an outdoor grill. 

“Little Tibet” Coming to East Passyunk [Blogalicious] 
Le Virtu [Official Site]

The former Roselena’s Cafe has reopened as Michael’s Cafe on East Passyunk Avenue. The casual BYOB serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and is also open Sundays from 7am to 4pm. 

For now it’s cash only and dinner begins tomorrow night. 

Michael’s Cafe [Official Site]

Teri’s in the Italian Market looks like a deli but at night, it’s playing the part of restaurant. Adam Erace tries not to judge the spot on its looks.

 

After six months spinning bacon-egg-and-cheese bagels and Italian hoagies, the siblings-in-law added dinner service in January under Executive Chef Davis Denick. A Culinary Insitute of America grad and Coquette vet, his succinct, surprising new American menu—Shad roe! Persimmon! Chestnuts!—really deserves a prettier stage.

Every Wednesday through Sunday at 5 p.m., Denick takes over, stocking that Dietz & Watson caboose not with Oscar Meyer and sharp provolone but with legs of duck confit and peeled pears for poaching aligned in orderly rows. The dishes I ate were uncomplicated, but never to a fault, and the prices—$7 to $10 appetizers, $15-$20 entrees, plus a three-course $30 prix fixe open to the whole menu and a $5 wine refund with a state store receipt—were on the money, so to speak.

 

Delicatension [Philadelphia Weekly]

When Devil’s Den opened they got kind of busy and never got around to a Grand Opening. But now, a year later they’re finally going to throw a big party complete with $1 off beers and a complimentary buffet. 

Oh and did we mention the beers? When the event kicks off Wednesday at 7pm there will be great beers from Russian River, Bell’s, Allagash, Ommegang and many others. And because one night isn’t enough, there will be special drafts the rest of the week including rare beers like Hitachino Nest White Ale, St. Feuillien Printemps and much more. 

Devil’s Den [Official Site] via Joe Sixpack.

Cantina Los Caballitos is now offering some drink deals during their Saturday brunch. Get 1/2 draft beers and $1 off mimosas at the bar.

Come in tomorrow and hear DJ Shawn Ryan of Hurrah spin soul, funk, motown and more.

Cantina Los Caballitos: Brunch with DJ Shawn Ryan of Hurrah [UWISHUNU]
Cantina Los Caballitos [Official Site]