Albert Paris soft-opened his labor-of-love Asian pub on May 31. He'll have a grand opening, and lots of sake and Japanese imports, as soon as the liquor license arrives. So far, Rittenhouse has been mighty receptive to both the menu and the interior, which Paris designed and constructed himself. "People are in shock when they get their bills," says the chef. Don't give your credit card to your mom for safekeeping just yet—it's a good kind of shocked. The average entree runs just $12. Bite This: The shiso-spiced salmon is served in a green curry sauce with edamame and wolfberries.

Jonathan Zeigler's J-town Station destination recently introduced a brick-oven pizza and stromboli menu. Unique toppings include pulled duck, shrimp and wild mushrooms. Bite This: One notable pie features prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted onion and basil pesto.

Kirk Phillips, Ken Hyland and John McHugh, the latter two from the Emerald Isle, have huge plans for the vacant property (formerly Pandora's Box) that overlooks Naval Square. Hyland says it'll be a nooked-and-crannied bi-level affair serving "challenging" imports and domestics. The owners are hosting a contest for local residents to name the place; a Web site is on the way. They're hoping to have the doors open by late August, but Hyland says, "It all depends on God and the Board of Health." Spoken like a true Irishman.

Last week, Minar staffers confirmed that the immensely popular Indian institution is in the market for new digs once their lease expires in late July. They want to stay in Center City, but that's all contingent on whether or not they can find a suitable location. Here's hoping the move precipitates an improvement in the notoriously gloomy attitude of the staff. Seriously, I just wanted some tikka masala—please don't hit me.