Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> NOW SEATING

Brooklynite Bill Hickey, who has been in Philly since April, opened this 24-seat coffeehouse three weeks ago. He decided to relocate after checking out the city on a business trip—the brownstone facades of Queen Village reminded him of his home borough. He'll soon have his full menu, which'll feature many vegan and vegetarian choices. Bite This: Red Hook gets its certified organic fair-trade house blend straight from a specialty farm in Peru.

In accordance with newish owner Fred Eskandary's plans, the Taco House now goes by Café Centraal and serves Middle Eastern choices on top of the Mexi stuff, including kabobs and falafel. Bite This: The Greek salad features olives, feta and "finley cut" vegetables. While it's easy to assume this is just a typo, we shouldn't dismiss the possibility that said veggies were chopped by former Anaheim Angels pitcher Chuck Finley, who probably needs the work.

Tomorrow will see the public debut of KeVen D. Parker's newest venture, an upscale restaubar located directly next to his Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe (1314 South St.). The multifloor space, also named after his mom/exec chef Joyce "Ms. Tootsie" Parker, will have three bars and bottle service. The Soul Food Cafe's Southern grub will be featured prominently, plus a few never-before-seen items. Bite This: Try the smothered turkey and chicken chops entree.

>> WAITING LIST

In early March, we learned about Marigold Kitchen owner Steven Cook's plan to open a restaurant in the old Filo's space. Update: Mid-November will see the debut of Xochitl (pronounced so-cheet), named after a period from the ancient Aztec calendar that's linked with the concept of creativity. Chef and co-owner Dionicio Jimenez is working on a traditional menu centered around ingredients from his home region of Puebla, Mexico. Look out for a large tequila list and special cocktails.