Restaurant Opening Roundup

BY ASHLEY PRIMIS

The next couple of weeks are going to be full of new places throwing their doors wide. Here’s what you can expect to open when, plus some sneak peeks at menu items (including the first look at Sampan’s entire menu).

Sampan
What: Modern Asian from chef Michael Schulson (formerly of Buddakan NYC and Pod, currently of Izakaya in A.C.).
Opening date: December 18th.
Where: Midtown Village. 124 South 13th Street, 215-732-3501; restaurantsampan.com.
Vibe: Industrial meets sleek; mostly dark with cool wall/light features.
Booze: Yes, but not set yet.
Sample dishes: Small plates divided by hot, cold, salads, and proteins. The Pekin duck, crispy Brussels sprouts with puffed rice and lamb satay are particularly drool-worthy. We’ve got the first look at the entire menu here.

Avenida
What: A family-friendly Latin restaurant, where no dish is over $20. The husband/wife owners and chefs met when they both worked at Striped Bass.
Opening date: December 17th.
Where: Mt. Airy. 7402 Germantown Avenue, 267-385-6857; avenidarestaurant.com.
Vibe: Warm walls, wood accents, small intimate dining rooms, outdoor seating in the summer.
Booze: Tequilas, Mexican and Latin American beers, wine, mixed drinks including margaritas … when they get their license, that is.
Sample dishes: We’ve got the entire menu here.

Zama
What: Sushi from chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka, formerly of Pod and Morimoto.
Opening date: December 19th.
Where: Rittenhouse. 128 South 19th Street, 215-568-1027.
Vibe: Modern but warm, with tons of wood.
Booze: Yes, but not set yet.
Sample dishes: Small bites and entrées like Kirin Ichiban braised short ribs served with udon noodles, miso marinated cod, and yuzu pepper chicken. From the sushi bar: citrus-soy striped bass with hot sesame oil, broiled barbecued eel, and the U Love Veggie roll with cucumber and shiitake.

Zavino
What: Gourmet pizza, Italian food and wine bar.
Opening date: December 21st.
Where: Midtown Village. 112 South 13th Street, 215-732-2400, zavino.com.
Vibe: Exposed brick wall, imported pizza oven, outdoor seating in the summer.
Booze: Beer, wine and drinks.
Sample dishes: Pizzas include the Kennett, with béchamel, mozzarella, roasted onions and a mix of fancy mushrooms; the Rosa, with tomato sauce and roasted garlic; the Sopressata, with tomatoes, mozzarella, sopressata, olives, and pickled red onions. Non-pizza items include roasted beets with pistachio and goat cheese, and a mixed braise of pork ribs, sausage, and shoulder with garlic bread.

Agiato
What: A new Italian-focused eatery (and bread company) from the former chef/owner of much-loved Sovalo.
Opening date: Any day now — we’ll keep you updated.
Where: Manayunk. 4359 Main Street, 215-482-9700; agiatophila.com.
Vibe: Easy, casual café with communal tables.
Sample dishes: Butternut squash and escarole soup; sandwiches with prosciutto and a fried egg or artichoke and mint pesto.