Usually we reserve our Tales of the Tape for restaurant openings but we felt that the Bloktoberfest scheduled for this Saturday could also benefit.

Who: Sponsored by the South of South Neighborhood Association

What: Block party with proceeds going towards restoration of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

When: Saturday, October 24th, noon to 8pm.

Where: Christian Street between 20th and 21st Streets.

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Paesano’s in the Italian Market will have an expanded menu. Look for tripe with egg and a Paesano Burger topped with fries, balsamic vineagr, garlic mayo, pancetta and gorgonzola dolce. We thought we were done salivating over burgers but maybe just this one more. [The Insider]

Prohibition Taproom opens for lunch starting today.

Pommes Frites in Old City. The restaurant eating space at Chestnut and Strawberry is looking to break the hex with European Republic, an off-shoot of a popular Long Island fry spot. [The Insider]

Flying Monkey’s Locust Street location opened Monday. We will continue to not refer to it as Flying Monkey Deuce.

The Insider has Gemelli’s opening Euro bistro menu. The BYO opens next week in Narberth with Clark Gilbert at the helm. [The Insider]

Grub Street snaps shots of Fish, set to open at October 5th. [Grub Street]

Win Signature Restaurants might be expanding downstairs from Azie on Main in Villanova. Isn’t that the path Maia unsuccessfully went down? [The Insider]

La Fuente is the working name for the proposed Italian BYOB seeking zoning approval for 2nd and Fairmount. [The Insider]

It is post-Labor Day and that means brunch has returned to Meme. The $35 prix fixe menu is sticking around too giving you one more Restaurant Week alternative.

Yes, the commenters who figured Shola Olunloyo is aiming to open his StudioKitchen in NoLibs down the street from Kong were right. He’s aiming for a November opening. [Grub Street]

XIX named by MSN as a top 10 Penthouse Restaurant in the United States. [MSN]

Monk’s Cafe’s back bar is open again. [Liquid Diet]

ROOT liqueur gets a shout-out in October’s Vanity Fair. It’s the skewing young one with Jackie O on the cover.

City inspections are the only thing left for the second location of Flying Monkey before it is ready to open at 1112 Locust Street. [Restaurant Club]

Elevation Burger, the environmentally friendly burger chain that has opened locally in Wynnewood is planning  on opening on Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square in 6 to 8 months. [Blogalicious]

Brick House Tavern + Tap has opened in Willow Grove. Self-described as a Man Cave the beer selection isn’t too shabby and includes Victory Hop Wallop on cask.

Recess Lounge did not open Saturday as the vague “plumbing issues” reared its ugly head. [Grub Street]

Highlights from today’s Inquirer’s food section:

For food news nerds, Rick Nichols’ description of his lunch at Vietnam with In Defense of Food author Michael Pollan, will be a thrill. Everything Rick Nichols writes is a thrill!

For cupcake news nerds, the description of Flying Monkey Patisserie’s signature banana-n-buttercream cupcake will be more of a thrill.

For cooking and environmentally-inclined nerds, this feature on eco-conscious cooking might be interesting. Or not.

Vietnam [Official Site]
Flying Monkey Patisserie [Official Site]

Finding Philly discovers some fine cupcakes around town.

• Brown Betty Desserts
• Naked Chocolate Cafe
• Flying Monkey Patisserie

The Icing On The Cupcake [Finding Philly]

Turning your nose up at all the Valentine’s Day expensive prix fixe menus and lack of reservations? Then Kirsten Henri has the guide for you, how to avoid Valentine’s Day.

Among the dead-on suggestions, Chinatown, the Grey Lodge and Flying Monkey Patisserie.

Heart of the Matter [Philadelphia Weekly]

City Paper’s Feeding Frenzy notes Flying Monkey Patisserie is now open in the Terminal. And Mr. Joe’s, Vince Termini Sr.’s lunch and coffee spot has opened across from the Termini’s Bakery on S 8th St.