Michael Klein: Anastasi opens Pescatore, a BYOB in Bala Cynwyd

Thomas Anastasi of the Anastasi Seafood family of South Philly's Italian Market has gone out to Montgomery County, opening the white-tablecloth Pescatore BYOB (134 Bala Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-660-9400). The Restaurant School-trained Anastasi, who previously owned Thomas in Moorestown, is keeping entrees on his Italian menu under $25; naturally, seafood predominates, and he makes his own ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccine, pappardelle, and tortellini. It's open for dinner Wednesdays through Mondays. Lunch (Tuesday to Friday) starts Oct. 18.

Michael Poole and Van Chau, who own Trio in Fairmount, have opened Isabel, a Mexi-Cali BYOB, in the sunny, ground-floor space at the 2601 Parkway condos (2601 Pennsylvania Ave., 215-475-8088) near the Art Museum. Tight menu, including tacos and chiles rellenos, is $21 and under. Keeping up with the "closed Tuesday" trend, it's open for dinner Wednesdays through Mondays. Hours are due to expand.

Lucky's Last Chance has opened at 4421 Main St. in the narrow Manayunk storefront that formerly housed Yunkers (215-509-6005). Owners Chris and Sandra Barnes and Mike Gartner offer six beers on tap (22 in bottles) and an indie-punk backdrop. It's open Tuesday to Saturday evenings; noon to 2 a.m. Sundays.

Owners Bob and Brandon Bitros, who previously ran Azure in Northern Liberties, have rolled out Interstate Draft House in Fishtown, a "beer pub" with 16 on tap, in the former Moe's at 1235 E. Palmer St. in the heart of Fishtown (267-455-0045). Azure's former chef, Julio Rivera, is executing a menu that includes the signature beef tips and seitan tips. It's open Tuesday through Sunday evenings for now.

Restaurateurs Rob Wasserman and Michael Schulson, buddies for a dozen years, are going into business together, outfitting a space in Ardmore's renovated Suburban Square for St. James Place. Due in April, the American grill will take a steak-house approach. "Affordable, good food" is the line from Schulson, who chef-owns the Asian-inspired Sampan in Center City and Izakaya in Atlantic City. "We didn't think we had to remake the wheel," said Wasserman, who with his wife, Maggie, owns Rouge on Rittenhouse Square. They seek a homespun, garden vibe (and courtyard seating) - "sophisticated enough," said Wasserman, but a place where locals would feel comfortable for weeknight drop-ins. The menu I saw holds appetizers under $14, entrees under $27 (rack of lamb), with themed specials.

Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga's Sbraga restaurant (Broad and Pine Streets) is taking reservations, effective Oct. 15, by phone (215-735-1913), though Sbraga says he probably will open sooner for walk-ins. The website is sbraga.com.

M Kee, a Chinese barbecue spot, is under construction for a November opening at 1002 Race St., in the former produce store next to Ho Sai Gai.