Last night there was an invite-only event to birth 10 Arts, the new Eric Ripert signature restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, which I was officially invited to and officially attended, but still felt like I was crashing since a) I was wearing jeans and everyone else was clad in cocktail attire and b) I have not had any plastic surgery, which seemed to be a requisite to get into this affair. I haven’t seen so many tightly pinned-back ears and preternaturally smooth foreheads since, well, the last time I walked by Rouge. But I digress…

The most important thing to know is that the food I tried was fantastic. Which is no small feat at an affair of this size and with this many schnooks snarfing down the free food as fast as the kitchen can send it out…

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It’s a real time Foobooz spotting as we’ve just spotted Eric Ripert and 10 Arts chef Jennifer Carroll shopping at the Reading Terminal Market.

You may have heard that Eric Ripert, one of the country’s top chefs, is opening a restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton hotel on Broad St., formerly home still home to the Grill. The Inky has the scoop on the restaurant’s name and chef:

I hear that the name will be 10 Arts by Eric Ripert, playing off the hotel’s address, 10 S. Avenue of the Arts. (I guess 10 S. Broad St. or “10 Broad” doesn’t have the same ring.) I’ve also heard that the chef whom Ripert will bring in to run it is a woman who grew up in Philadelphia. (Hence, “10 Broad” would also be sexist.)

Not to be sexist either, but Eric Ripert is HOT. Also, 10 Arts is not such a compelling name. We won’t hold it against him.

[Thanks to Michael Klein for reminding us the Grill at the Ritz is still open.]

Eric Ripert’s Restaurant’s name is… [Food & Drinq]

Cafe Estelle is open at the 444 Lofts. The 45-seat cafe focuses on breakfast and lunch but will soon be adding brunch. The breads, muffins and sausages are all made on the premises. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Al Paris’ Pat Bombino’s is looking to open next Wednesday. G, the lounge under Davio’s has penciled in November 29th as its opening date. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

The mega-Maia restaurant opening set for the end of this year is looking more like February ‘08. Melissa Monosoff, former sommelier at the Fountain, Striped Bass and Avenue B is the beverage director. [Icepack, City Paper]

The folk behind Gypsy Saloon and Stella Blue are getting in the pizza business with Bella Luna Pizza Kitchen in West Conshohocken. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

The DiBruno Brothers web site has a rendering of their Comcast Center location. There’ll be a paninis, salads, prepared foods, a European-style coffee bar and of course cheese. [DiBruno Brothers]

Eric Ripert of New York’s Le Bernardin is opening his Washington restaurant, Westend Bistro tonight. He plans on opening a Philadelphia restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in 2008. Check the menu (pdf) for a taste of what may be coming. [Westend Bistro]

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!