>>NOW SEATING

Pura Vida, 527 Fairmount Ave., 215-922-6433

This month-old Northern Liberties spot marks owner/head chef Charles Alvarez's first independent venture. The native Guatemalan works ethnic ingredients (pumpkin, sesame seeds, achiote paste) into recognizable dishes like burritos and tacos. The Caribbean-themed atmosphere is the ideal backdrop for the seafood-accented menu, which also features four homemade salsas in varying heat levels. Bite This: Try the pupusitas (grilled corn and cheese patties) with the chicken ginger soup, topped with fresh cilantro, mozzarella and lime.

Remedy Tea Bar, 1628 Sansom St., 215-557-6688

Sisters Kristen and Courtney Kammerer were inspired to open Remedy after a trip to London. In addition to traditional whites, blacks, greens and oolongs, Remedy mixes up tea lattes and frozen drinks blended with fruit juice. Fresh scones, croissants and cookies are available all day, and Kristen says the lunch crowd adores the panini menu. Bite This: The "dirty chai" features freshly brewed tea, steamed milk and organic chocolate.

Gigi, 319 Market St., 215-574-8880

Real estate mogul George Merkakis is behind the newest addition to Old City's formidable restaurant roster. Executive chef Brian McCleish (Mansion at Rittenhouse) has created an American continental menu rich in Greek influence. They're targeting mature, upscale diners, so all you Fratty McMillerlite dudes should stick to Mad River. Bite This: The grilled porterhouse lamb steaks are marinated with mint, thyme, oregano and olive oil.

Lucky Strike Lanes, 13th and Chestnut sts.

This Hollywood-based company, which already has 11 high-end bowling lounges across the U.S. and Canada, is coming to Center City. The three-floor venue will boast bars, a roof deck and ample lane space. Construction is still in the early stages, but CEO Steven Foster expects doors to open in March 2006. Bite This: The American bistro menu specializes in shareable appetizers like tomato and mozzarella s'mores and deep-fried mac 'n' cheese balls.