The Latin menu, infused with dishes from Edgar Alvarez's native Guatemala, is priced for the neighborhood; besides the kids' menu, there are a sub-$13 bar menu, entrees priced from $14 to $19, and homemade desserts. (See more photos and menus at http://go.philly.com/avenida).
What's coming
There's Chops steakhouse in Bala Cynwyd, and come February, there will be
Chops Too in the former Oceanaire, a former PSFS building at 700 Walnut St. on Washington Square. Owner Alex Plotkin says it will be a mix of steakhouse and seafood/sushi, with dinner entrees from $17 to $30. (He's planning to source beef from Brandt, Niman Ranch, and NatureSource, including prime New York strip and center-cut filet mignon.) Plotkin, a Culinary Institute of America grad whose background includes management at the Four Seasons and the Palm, will remove Oceanaire's raw bar in favor of a contiguous bar.
Floret, the reconfiguration of the Pond/Passerelle space in Radnor, is aiming at a late December/early January opening. (Speaking of which: Former Pond chef Abde Dahrouch will start as chef at Wilmington's Domaine Hudson in January.)
Briefly noted
The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo., has announced its lineup of chefs and wine educators for its outing June 18-20, and Philly.com "Uncorked" host Marnie Old is among the featured speakers. She will lead seminars titled "Secrets of Wine & Food Pairing" and "Stunning Spanish Whites."
Ava, the Italian BYOB at Third and Gaskill Streets, has closed just shy of six years, owner Michael Campagna confirms.
Brodeur's on State Street in Media's old borough hall has gone out. The building is borough property, and council president Frank Daly said Media has a responsibility to pursue $30,000 in back rent. An attorney for owner Dan Brodeur did not return a message seeking comment.
Contact Michael Klein at 215-854-5514 or mklein@phillynews.com. For restaurant news in real time, read his blog at http://go.philly.com/insider and follow him on Twitter @phillyinsider.
