What's coming
Paesano's - chef Peter McAndrews' much-lauded and always-packed sandwich shop at 152 W. Girard Ave. in Northern Liberties, across from his Italian BYO Modo Mio - is adding a South Philly location: The former Butcher's Cafe at Ninth and Christian Streets. He said he is shooting for Nov. 1. Among the creations he's planning for South Philly are a tripe sandwich topped with egg, and a Paesano burger: ground sirloin topped with fries, aged balsamic vinegar, garlic mayo, pancetta, and Gorgonzola dolce. He used to fix them before service at his previous stop, Rembrandt's, where he and his sous chef would split them.
Pizzeria Stella - Stephen Starr's wood-fired ovenry at Second and Lombard Streets (215-320-8000) - opened to the public this week. The Inquirer's Rick Nichols will wax about it in his Sunday column; see details and the menu at http://go.philly.com/stella.
Ly Michael's, the Vietnamese restau-bar at 11th and Arch Streets for five years, is closed and due to reopen today as Tazia, an Asian small-plater.
Briefly noted
Noble (2025 Sansom St.) started Sunday brunch last weekend and on Monday will start weekday lunch.
El Camino Real (1040 N. Second St.) in Northern Liberties has hired Dustin Chalermkittichai, most recently sous chef at Rouge on Rittenhouse Square, as its new chef.
Amuse is the name of the bistro in the lobby of the forthcoming Le Meridien Philadelphia hotel (1421 Arch St.) Although opening date is unclear, the decor at the former Arch Street YMCA will be sleek and modern, contrasting with the neoclassic architecture. See http:// go.philly.com/amuse for notes on executive chef Dan Black's menu and concept.
