Table Talk: Plea to moon goddess graces Thai spot

Nongyao "Moon" Krapugthong has gone warm but dramatic for MangoMoon, her new tri-level Thai-influenced small-plater/bar at 4161 Main St. in Manayunk (215-487- 1230), down the street from Chabaa Thai and across from the parking lot on Lock Street. It's open daily from 5 p.m.

Look closely at the Thai writing on the wall near the open kitchen. It's a poem - her plea to the moon goddess - and the lettering is done in 186,000 copper nails. Dark wood, copper and bronze predominate. Krapugthong's menu - dishes are $5 to $23, and two of us ate for $65 - shuns trite tastes (no pad Thai) in favor of creative dishes and sides such as meang khum (lettuce wraps filled with shredded coconut and shrimp), steamed rice in lotus leaf, and sea bass in mango sauce.

What else is new

John Mims, who left Carmine's in Bryn Mawr and Les Bons Temps in Center City, has taken over the Freehouse in Wayne (110 N. Wayne Ave.) as Mims Food & Drink, a New Orleans-influenced comfort-fooder. Opens tomorrow for lunch, dinner and late night (dinner entrees average $16) on two floors. The block's restaurants offer free valet parking on Friday and Saturday nights.

What's up for '09

Here's a rundown of restaurateurs to watch and '09 highlights, in little particular order:

Jose Garces. The chef-owner of Amada, Tinto and Distrito has Chifa, his Peruvian-Chinese mix, due in for February at 707 Chestnut St., and Village Whiskey, a whiskey bar/burger joint at 20th and Sansom Streets (sometime in '09).

Stephen Starr. Feeling Gallic pride thanks to Parc's success, Starr says that in March, he will revive the Blue Angel at 706 Chestnut St., which he ran there from 1999 to 2003. He also is planning a "fun" Greek concept for the former Washington Square, to open in April.

Susan Schlisman. The owner of the Sam's Grills (Wynnewood and Jenkintown) and Devil's Alley near Rittenhouse Square is about a month from opening Smokin' Betty's, a barbecue-centric bar, at 116 S. 11th St. She's also planning a fifth casual operation in Bella Vista.