Today, Foobooz wonders whether Center City is “over”, at least when it comes to the restaurant scene. They take a look at the numbers, which reveal that Center is City is on pace to see the fewest restaurant openings in at least five years- kind of a surprise as we seem to be emerging from the economic doldrums. This comes as a bit of a shock to the system; it was Center City, after all, that put Philadelphia on the foodie map back in the 1990s, with Stephen Starr, Neil Stein, and a collection of BYOBs leading the way.

Rouge in Rittenhouse

But just because restaurants aren’t opening at the expected rate in Center City doesn’t mean that there’s not a significant number of new places opening in other parts of town. In fact, developments that…

Last month, the East Passyunk Crossing zoning committee heard a presentation for the conversion of 1646-8 S 12th St., the longtime home of Artisan Boulanger Patissier, from a pastry shop into a full-fledged restaurant with a liquor license and possible outdoor seating. Though this address is on 12th Street, the building is basically on Passyunk Avenue, on the same block as El Zarape and Cantina Los Caballitos.

New place coming

A couple of days ago, a report from Foobooz confirmed exactly what’s in store for this space. Chris Scarduzio, of the tasty Table 31, will be taking over this space in short order. The concept is casual Italian (unheard of on the Avenue!) with a seafood angle. As expected, outdoor seating and booze will be part…

East Passyunk hotspot Cantina Los Caballitos has been granted an extension of premise at the vacant dirt lot adjacent to the popular Mexican restaurant. Los Caballitos, at 1651 East Passyunk Avenue, had irked some neighbors with its overflowing outdoor sidewalk seating. The available adjacent lot, recently graveled and supplied with trees from local landscaper Urban Jungle, will now be used for Cantina’s outdoor seating area to keep tables out of Passyunk pedestrian’s way. The new lot, according to manager Eylse Perreault, “will not change the seating [amount],” and will still host up to 80 guests.

Plans for the lot include more trees and outdoor hanging lights. Renee Gillnger, main street manager of the East Passyunk Avenue Improvement District claims that most extensions of premise include spaces like courtyards and sidewalk seating. Not unlike the outdoor space hidden…