City Paper gives the lowdown on Franco’s Trattoria, the recently opened Italian in East Falls.

While capitalizing on the building’s existing strengths, Franco’s also seems to have taken a different tack than its predecessor by keeping the food simple and straightforward, a parade of red-sauced pastas, thin-pounded meats and other South Philly familiars. It’s the kind of menu that offers enough variety to keep you coming back, yet enough sameness to be comforting. Portion size is large, and with a number of wines available by the glass in the $6 to $8 range, dinner here is a good value.

Francly, My Dear [City Paper]
Franco’s Trattoria [Official Site]

The Illadelph has a first look and name for The Georges Perrier, Chris Scarduzio restaurant set for the Comcast Center. The name is Table 31, which may seem a quizzical name till you realize that’s considered the best table at Brasserie Perrier. Table 31 will be a monster of a restaurant. More than 15,000 square feet over 3 floors. [The Illadelph]

A.D. Amorosi’s Icepack reports that the Dive is rumored to be closed or closing. This is in contrast to a recent Dive My Space bulletin says that not only are they open but they’ve got their smoking waiver. [Icepack, City Paper]

Rumor has it Copa Too won’t sit empty too long as Fergie’s ex-manager Jo Gunn is looking to open Jose Pistolas, a “beer bar with Mexican flavor.” [Icepack, City Paper]

A couple of new Italian restaurants have landed. Franco’s Trattoria has taken the spot once held by Verge off of Kelly Drive in East Falls. And 23rd and Walnut has a new Italian BYO Salento where Fellini’s Cafe. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Up the block from Osteria, Cobre, a new “high-style Puerto Rican/Mexican resto-lounge” has opened. There will be affordable fare, nothing over $14.95 as well as a billiards table. Check out the Table Talk Video. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Even further up North Broad, Koja Grille is getting set to open May 17th in Bart Blatstein’s Avenue North. Expect “quick, healthy Korean that doesn’t skimp on quality.” [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Chick’s Cafe & Wine Bar at 7th and Fulton is open for business. And for a twist, Chick’s is offering an Industry Brunch on Mondays.

Franco’s Trattoria is coming soon to Kelly Drive. Franco is Franco Faggi who helped start the Monte Carlo Living Room. Franco’s Trattoria will benefit from more parking than its predecessor Verge did, as a city-owned parking lot is set to open across the street under the Roosevelt Expressway. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Silk City is “expected to reopen in several weeks.” [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Fishtown baby! Hot Potato Cafe has opened at 529 E Girard Avenue, featuring New American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Ida Mae’s has also opened in Fishtown, billed as a “bruncherie” expect “hearty, budget-priced, Irish-influenced fare” daily till 3 PM. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Elsewhere in Fishtown, Bistro Juliana prepares to open. This neighborhood BYOB by the owners of Raddichio is set to open next Monday. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

At 161 W Girard Avenue is Modo Mio, a new Italian BYOB by Peter McAndrews who cooked for 12 years at Rembrandt’s. Modo Mio combines two of Philadelphia’s staples, Italian and small plates, nothing of $16. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Crosstown, East Falls is getting a couple of new spots. The former Verge, along Kelly Drive, is being re-born Franco’s Trattoria. Who’s Franco? He’s Franco Faggi, one of the original Monte Carlo Living Room partners. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

The Set Table is a breakfast/brunch and lunch spot on Indian Queen and is being touted as the Sabrina’s/Morning Glory of East Falls. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

More Korean Vietnamese on Washington Avenue? Pho sure! Pho Hoa, a Vietnamese chain with 84 outlets world wide is set to open on April 28th at the former home of Porky and Porkie. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Le Jardin has closed its doors. The voicemail is full and chef/owner Athmane Kabir did not return calls. [Dan Gross, Philadelphia Daily News]