Trey Popp brings his wife along (we guess to solidify his straightness) to Knock in the Gayborhood to sample the two-month olds food.

With a decorative scheme that runs more toward generic color-field paintings than rainbow-flag kitsch, Knock seems to be aiming for the vibe of a gay steakhouse.

And apparently, that’s just what the neighborhood wanted. Two months after the restaurant’s late-summer opening, weekend evenings find the tables filled and standing-room-only at the bar. What’s true in real estate, evidently, holds just as strongly in the food biz: The keys to success are location, location and location. Because when it comes to actual dining, it’s hard not to get the feeling that Knock isn’t terribly concerned about its food.

Knock Off [City Paper]
Knock [Official Site]

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!

Philly Chit Chat has the lowdown on Knock, the restaurant and lounge that will attempt to break the curse of the 12th and Locust corner.

You no Longer have to KNOCK, it’s open, really [Philly Chit Chat]

The bar and lounge Knock at 12th and Locust has had a soft opening and look for Jose Pistolas to open next Wednesday. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Swallow on Liberties Walk is now looking at a post Labor Day opening rather than late August. The interior “will be an homage to a Parisian brothel, a nod to Northern Liberties’ history as a red-light district.” [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse out of New York is in talking about opening a Philadelphia outpost at 2040 Market St., the former headquarters of AAA. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Chima, the Brazilian steakhouse that was announced just about the same time as Fogo de Chao is talking about opening its 20th and JFK location in “the first trimester of 2008.” [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Starting Wednesday, September 5th Shank’s & Evelyn’s will be open for dinner. “Expect to see a full menu of traditional Italian fare, from veal marsala to fettucine alfredo, with a hefty selection of chef’s specialties thrown in.” [Eat Beat, Philadelphia Weekly]

Famous 4th Street Deli is closed through the weekend as there has been a management shakeup. Expect to see more movers and shakers at the Palm for the week. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirerer]

A year ago we did a week long photo essay of what’s opening soon. And it was so fun, so lets do it again.

Today we’ll concentrate on 12th Street where four new spots are planned.

The second Tria location is just about to open at 12th and Spruce. It’s come a long way in a year.

More after the jump.

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Michael Klein’s Table Talk took last week off and comes back loaded for bear.

The Misconduct Tavern returns under new ownership. Christopher Lee, of Pumpkin and L’Oca background will man the kitchen. The re-opening is set for this Monday.

Knock knock. Who’s there? Knock. Knock who? Knock, the latest spot to try and end the curse of 12th and Locust, that’s who. Bill Wood who recently sold Woody’s is teaming with his brother to bring “a global restaurant-lounge” to the corner location.

The Jefferson Hospital area (J Ho?) Marathon Grill is two to three weeks away. Expect a “rustic” look with exposed brick iron and wood.

And finally Legal Sea Foods has opened at the Court at King of Prussia.

Table Talk [Philadelphia Inquirer]