This week's top dish from Eater Philly, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
U-CITY — Han Dynasty is taking over the former Mid-Atlantic space, previously owned by Daniel Stern of R2L. New owner Han Chiang said he's shooting for a May opening to coincide with the Upenn and Drexel graduation season. Expect the same menu of face-melting Sichuan cooking in the new spot.
WASH WEST — Chef Matt Levin cut the ribbon on Square Peg, his ode to diner food. Taking over the former Marathon Grill space at 10th and Walnut, Levin's menu is quite large, and features new twists on diner faves, like fried chicken, matzoh ball soup, and burgers. Expect spiked milkshakes and crafty beers on the drink menu, along with a large number of American whiskeys.
WEST PHILLY — What used to be Rx in West Philly is now Rimedio. Chef Dan Freeman is going all Northern Italian in the new concept, which is giving us a real reason to cross the bridge. The space will still pay homage to the original existance as a pharmacy, which was continued in the previous restaurant. Rimedio means “remedy” in Italian. Duh.
OLD CITY — Looks like we're getting a late night eatery in the form of Empanada Alley, opening up behind Cuba Libre. Only available on Friday and Saturdays from midnight 'til 3 A.M., Empanada Alley features the talents of Chef Guillermo Pernod, who makes one seriously delicious fried pocket of meat. Philly needs more late-night portable eats.