South Philly eats

After more than 11 years at 11th and Federal, Kristian Leuzzi has closed Kristian's, his stylish Italian restaurant (see Google view below). The economy, he told me. Earlier this year, Leuzzi and his family revamped the Passyunk Tavern at Passyunk and Moore into Stogie Joe's Tavern, a humble neighborhood tap serving homey Italian food. Business is good there. He told me that he'll redo Kristian's into a BYOB that's "all about the food," sometime around the holidays or in early 2010.

Beer maven Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico are saying "another month" for Hawthornes, their homey cafe-slash-gourmet deli-slash-brunch-spot-slash-bottle shop at 11th and Fitz.

I'll believe it when I see it, but Sticks & Stones may be opening at 1909 E. Passyunk Ave. in less than a month, says owner Nick Miglino. The project has been in the works since January 2008 and was initially planned for Labor Day 2008. "It's like how they took the beach at Normandy -- inch by inch," he told me. Equipment is expected late next week and menu is being put together -- all kinds of cuisine, lots of vegetarian and Asian dishes, entrees at $14 or $15.

The gimmick at Fuel (1917 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-468-FUEL) is the 500-calorie limit on the panini, wraps, and salads.

Ristorante Pesto (1915 S. Broad St.) has picked up its liquor license.