The New York Times does an article in their travel section on Fishtown. Yes, our Fishtown.

These days artists easily outnumber fishermen and heroin addicts. Thanks to a recovering waterfront and spillover from gentrifying neighborhoods like Northern Liberties, Fishtown is joining the ranks of warehouse districts nationwide that have undergone a renaissance. Young professionals and creative types are moving into renovated apartments and luxury condos. Upscale restaurants, galleries and high-end shops have followed.

Among the restaurants and bars mentioned:

• Johnny Brenda’s
• Ida Mae’s Bruncherie
• Hot Potato Cafe
• Johnny’s Hots

Thankfully they did include a mention of Rocky too.

Rebirth Along the River [New York Times]

That ouch isn’t from the hot potatoes but rather from the scathing review in Philadelphia Weekly. Hot Potato Cafe is called “atrocious” and told they need to try harder. Ouch indeed.

Dinner is such a disaster that the thought of lunch a few days later is unsettling. I bring a co-worker for comfort, and together we share a crab dip served in the same style as the odd buffalo chicken. Co-worker describes it as “crab snot,” but it’s passable nonetheless, and my fears begin to ease.

Still, ordering anything that requires much know-how is something I’m unable to bring myself to.

Spuddy Hell [Philadelphia Weekly]

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]