Chef Rich Plummer, formerly of Valley Forge Brewing Co., is executing a menu with standard pub fare - sandwiches (all can be topped with fries), seafood, and snacks, plus such specialty items as lollipop lamb chops and paella (on weekends), all to pair with the well-stocked bar. Everything is under $22.
What's new
After nearly two years of construction delays, permit issues, and financial snags, Pascual "Pat" Cancelliere has opened 943, his Argentine-Italian BYOB, in an Italian Market storefront (943 S. Ninth St., 215-925-0900). Adorable dining room includes well-spaced, lacquered wooden tables, dish towels as napkins, sunny flowers, and an open kitchen. A tableau of accordion, guitar, and a bottle of wine sits in the window of the former gift shop. For now, it's open for lunch and dinner (till late) Wednesdays through Sundays. See menu at www.philly.com/943.
Briefly noted
Pico de Gallo has ended its seven-year run as a BYOB at the northwest corner of 15th and South Streets. The operation is now consolidated across the street at its liquor-licensed sibling, the Baja Room
.
Le Virtu (1927 E. Passyunk Ave.) has modified its Tuesday-night BYOB policy. Patrons can also now order a bottle from its wine list at cost (e.g. Cococciola Terre di Chieti 2008 IGT for $24).
Staffing
Ben McNamara has yielded the stove at St. Stephens Green (17th and Green Streets) to David Shuman, his sous chef of three years. McNamara says the parting was amicable. (Sounds like cost-cutting.)
Marc Plessis has left the chef de cuisine's post at Nineteen (a.k.a. XIX) at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The French-born, Kentucky-raised chef says he wants to open his own place (20 to 30 seats) in town. The Hyatt's executive chef, Richard Hebben, now oversees the restaurant.
Vance Angelina, a fixture at the Palm at the Bellevue (12 years), is taking orders now at the Capital Grille across the street.
Contact columnist Michael Klein at mklein@phillynews.com. Follow his blog at http://go.philly.com/insider and on Twitter @phillyinsider.
