Casona

563 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J., 856-854-5555

Former Mixto co-owner/GM Lawrence Grillo recently opened this Cuban/nouveau Latin spot in South Jerz. He's staggered the introduction of his menus—last week, he offered half-price brunch to patrons in exchange for their patience and feedback. He's following the same plan for lunch on March 30, and dinner on April 7. The full opening will be April 8. Casona offers authentic Cubano cuisine paired with South American and Caribbean influences. Bite This: The ropa vieja ("old clothes") is tangy brisket or beef stewed with green peppers and onions.

Banana Leaf

1009 Arch St., 215-592-8288

Last Thursday, Siong Ho debuted this massive Malaysian-focused restaurant to a colossal lunchtime crowd. Ho, who started at Chinatown's Penang before opening a Banana Leaf in the Big Apple, is glad to be back in Philly. "New York's a headache," he says. The Leaf is BYOB for now, but expect a variety of Malaysian and Thai brews once they snag a liquor license. Bite This: During the grand opening, the staff served loads of roti canai, a popular crispy pancake appetizer served with a curry dipping sauce.

Rita's Water Ice

various locations

The arrival of spring signifies many things, including baseball, hay fever and exhibitionist chicks with golf-score attitudes toward necklines (the lower, the better). Regionally, of course, the shift in season marks the long-awaited reopening of Rita's Water Ice. Since I'm originally from Baltimore, I had no idea how to pronounce the name of this exotic, mysterious treat. Thankfully, the sides of SEPTA buses are as didactic as they are dingy. Large wooder ice, please. This is a brain freeze town, and I'm a brain freeze man.

Johnny Brenda's

1201-03 Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684

Operations manager Brandy Hartley says this Fishtown bar's renovation plans are progressing nicely. On April 5, they'll appear in front of the city zoning board seeking approval to add a new live music venue and bar space and sidewalk seating. The hearing, which will be held in Room 18002 of 1515 Arch St. at 2 p.m., is open to the public.