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]

Jose Garces’ Tinto is scheduled to open a week from today on March 15th. Garces’ big Mexican restaurant is looking at the summer of 2008, but at least it has a name, Chilango, slang for someone who lives in Mexico City. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Django’s founders, Bryan Sikora and Aimee Olexy have opened Talula’s Table in Kennett Square. Although not a restaurant there is a “farmhouse” table of ten available for meals. The market showcases pastry and bread baked on the premises as well as house-cured sausages, artisan cheeses and prepared foods and sauces. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Drew Lazor channels David Byrne as he realizes the Dunkin Donuts at Broad and Christian is not his beautiful DD. Flatbread sandwiches and pizzas now dot the menu. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Meritage adds a new executive chef, Jason Goodman as executive chef. Goodman’s resume includes Circa, Novelty, Next, and most recently Callahan Catering. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

The Peek-A-Boo Revue has a new home, the Tin Angel starting March 31st. [Ice Pack, City Paper]

The long awaited Marathon Grill at 10th and Walnut is set to open in April.[Ice Pack, City Paper]

Day 3 of our look at restaurants that are opening soon. Today we look at five restaurants opening in the Washington Square West neighborhood.
Oceanaire Seafood Restaurant has already won an award for best wine list, even though there’s obviously plenty of construction to complete before the doors open at this Washington Square restaurant.

Read the rest of this entry »

• In coffee news Michael Klein spills the beans that Passero’s Gourmet Coffee is closing up shop. The four locations will reopen this fall as Juan Valdez Coffee. Fairmount Ave favorite Mugshots has opened an outpost on Cotton Street in Manayunk. (Table Talk)
• Elsewhere in coffee, Queen Village is getting a new coffee shop, Red Hook Coffee & Tea, at the corner of Fourth and Fulton.
• New menu coming from Marathon Grill. The prices remain reasonable but now there’s Sheboygan bratwursts and Thai turkey and shiitake mushroom dumplings. (Feeding Frenzy)

Marathon Commerce Square’s Saturday night party, Mojito, has a new deal for you. $1 drinks from 10-11 every Saturday night.
So check out the fountain, the people and the music. And if you add yourself to the guestlist you get in for half price, that’s $5 instead of $10.

Mojito Guest List

Rachel inc is at it again, this time compiling a list of happy hours to check out in Philadelphia.

• Drinkers Pub, Rittenhouse – Go for Cheap Eats & Drinks, Kitsy Dive Bar Style
• Noche – Go for Cheap Eats & Drinks, but Nicer Atmosphere than a Dive
• Marathon Commerce Square – Go for Atmosphere, Outdoor Courtyard with a Fountain!
• Center City Sips – Free Appetizers, $2 $3 & $4 Drink Specials Every Wednesday, All Around Town
• Black Door – A Neighborhood Belgian Pub with Half Priced Everything
• Drinker’s Tavern, Old City – Go for Cheap Drinks, Pool & a Juke-Box (And a Ripcord?)
• Loie - Go for Upscale Food with Cheap Drink Specials, A Gourmet Burger & a $2 Beer
• Alfa - A Sleek but Comfortable Spot with a Fun Happy Hour Ploy

Rachel also asks some friends for their recommendations and gets some votes for the Khyber among others.

If 5 PM isn’t doable for you check out the Foobooz six pack of late night happy hours.

Rachel Furman’s been back in town for a bit now and in the first of her “alls growns up” newsletter she focuses on brunch.
In addition to do it yourself tips for brunch drinks and baking your own quiche, Rachel gets down with her own brunch picks:

• Ansill: Fancy-Food-but-Totally-Laid-Back- Attitude Brunch
• Honey’s: Your Down-Home-Southern-Country-Jewish- Deli Spot
• Marathon Grill: Your Friendly Neighborhood Brunch
• Loie: Your Rittenhouse-People-Watching- Bottomless-Glass Brunch
• Beau Monde: Because-A-Crepe-Sounds-Much-More- Stylish-Than-An-Omelet Brunch
• Koko’s: Your Roll-Outta-Bed-for-Some- Grub or Stop-in-Before-Work Joint
• Moshulu: Your Bring-the-Parents-and-Let- Dad-Pay Buffet Brunch
• PhilaDeli: Your Surprisingly-Good-Food-Even-Though- You-Didn’t-Know-It-Was-There Diner

Rachel also asks some friends for their suggestions too.
You’ll find it all on her web site, rachelinc.

Foobooz insiders report that a new Marathon Grill and bar (similar to Marbar on Penn’s campus is planned for 10th & Walnut. Marathon is hoping for a Fall opening.
Details as the emerge.