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ITV: Nicholas Elmi's wine bar next to Laurel

ITV? Passyunk was a Lenape Indian term meaning "in the valley."

Top Chef Season 11 winner Nicholas Elmi turned to the history books to find a name for the bar he's opening early next month next to Laurel, his BYOB on East Passyunk Avenue.

"Passyunk," he learned, was a Lenape Indian term meaning "in the valley." The Avenue was a main route to the Delaware River hundreds of years ago.

ITV it will be.

The snug, dimly lit cocktail/wine bar, richly decked out in hand-milled walnut with cool vertical Edison bulbs as sconces, is getting the final touches, including wooden paneling.

ITV will reflect Laurel's intimate vibe. The marble bar itself will seat 10 people. Five can perch drinks on a rail in the front window, and a few can find space on a rail across from the bar. The place to be, though, should be a banquette in the rear accommodating 12. There's a table for two back there, too.

Elmi and crew will prepare French-inspired American food - mostly appetizers such as crudo up to a few heartier plates. Nick says the ITV kitchen will have freer options to explore spicier cuisine.

Old World-style biodynamic wines will predominate on the 40-bottle list, which is expected to grow to 100. The six taps will include not only beer but cider as well as cocktails.

No reservations.

Initially, it will be open from 5 p.m. till 2 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday, with the kitchen closing at 11.

P.S. The liquor license, which extends to both restaurants, allows the luxe Laurel to offer a $60-a-person wine pairing. Dinner is prix-fixe only, $85 per head.