Brian Freedman of aroundphilly.com eats at Modo Mio on Girard Avenue and likes the food but skewers the service.

The good news is that Modo Mio’s food, when it’s good, is every bit as exciting and satisfying as the best Italian restaurants in this city. Chef Peter McAndrews’ signature combination of Italian classics and supremely of-the-moment twists brings a sense of excitement to dining here that is unfortunately lacking from so many other spots in town whose inspiration comes from the general direction of the boot.

Review: Modo Mio [aroundphilly.com]

Craig LaBan reports on Modo Mio, the Italian BYO on Girard Avenue that has quickly become a destination for those beyond the neighborhood.

The rustic flavors here are just as genuine and inviting as the sounds that fill the room. And they’re presented with a simplicity and affordability (four courses for $30!) that feels true to the spirit of Italy’s neighborhood osterias, which are smaller, more quirky, and a shade more homey than a trattoria.

Two Bells – Very Good

Modo Mio [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]