Kristian's coming back, in casual form

As fine dining seemed to wane two years ago, Kristian Leuzzi pulled the plug on Kristian's, his Italian destination at 11th and Federal Streets in South Philly, next door to his childhood home.

Leuzzi bought Stogie Joe's Tavern at Passyunk Avenue and Moore Street, and set out to make money in the bar world.

For his second location, he will return to the still-empty 1100 Federal in November with Kris, a casual Mediterranean bar and kitchen aimed at the neighborhood. He's added rustic hardwood, while maintaining the lovely cherry bar.

You may remember the pasta fagiole and pasta dishes from Kristian's, but this time he and longtime chef Gregory Dooner will augment the Italian staples with easy-on-the-budget fare such as an antipasto board, lamb burger and a salmon PLT (that's pancetta, lettuce and tomato), plus in-house-made desserts. Average plate: $12 to $14. Top price: $23 for venison osso bucco.

Here is the menu (.PDF).