Cheu guys’ Passyunk spot will have ‘other group of Asian food,’ under $20 price point, more
Paper has gone up on the windows of the Asian restaurant that we told you last month will be replacing the former El Zarape at 12th and Passyunk, and more details have emerged on the concept.
Shawn Darragh and Ben Puchowitz, the owners of Center City’s Cheu Noodle Bar, told Philly.com that their second restaurant, planned for 1648 E. Passyunk Ave., will have an open kitchen with a prep area, windows in the dining room that swing open onto the sidewalk and “a price point sitting at just under $20.”
The prep area will go where El Zarape’s short-lived grocery store was located, next to Mr. Martino’s, which should open up more space for the dining room.
As for the food, the website said it wasn’t finalized, but the owners teased a bit of the concept:
What that spot’s going to serve up, though, is anyone’s guess. Puchowitz maintains that “it’s not going to be noodles,” and that he won’t be doing Szechuan food because he doesn’t want to “step on Han’s turf.” Darragh, however, teases the concept a bit more.
“Basically, there’s ramen and then there’s this other group of Asian food,” he says. “We’re going to do the same type of spin with that other food, but we’re still finalizing it. It’s going to be like nothing else we have in Philadelphia, maybe not even anywhere near us at all. We’re excited.”
The intersection of 12th and Morris is set for a whole lotta changes: $300,000 of pedestrian improvements by the city, chef Chris Scarduzio’s bistro, and a possible sale of the Interior Concepts building.
That little area could be unrecognizable this time next year.
Speaking of Scarduzio’s bistro, anyone else notice the L&I violation posted the building? I believe it sites the facade is cracked and buckling and threatens fines if demo isn’t started in 30 days.
Yeah, I just reached out to him to find out when he is starting demolition. I know he had planned to start this winter, but the terrible weather delayed him. Notice said it had to start by March 31, so hopefully, it’s any day now.
Ok. I’ll keep my eye out. I’m hoping for the best. I live down the block across the street and all of the new development is definitely exciting. But this corner has been stuck in the ‘looking worse’ phase prior to re-development (i.e. moving out, removing signs, blacking out windows, etc.) for a while. And with El Zarape gone and their awning and signage removed showing the building’s disrepear I’m more than ready to start seeing some improvement.
“Basically, there’s ramen and then there’s this other group of Asian food.”
It’s either Bukkake-inspired small plates or dumplings.
“It’s either Bukkake-inspired small plates or dumplings.”
Boy, I *really* hope you mean “Buddakan-inspired”.
LOL!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Thats great!!!
Probably would draw more customers saying it that way though.. I’d just go with that… LoL
Why not an Olive Garden???
No real Italians would go to the Olive Garden… Yuck!!!
@ProvWitout: So. How does that differ from your recommendations of Chilis or Applebees?! It. Is. The. Same. Thing.
Chili’s is amazing!!! I was there on Tuesday, and had the new taco pizza flatbread….out of this galaxy!!! (At least past the moon lol). It really gives places like Birra a run for their money.
Good deal. Now all we need is A Mans Image to go next