As summer closes, new doors opening

In what has become a familiar refrain, despite the economy, despite the credit crunch and now despite entering the dog days of August, the Philadelphia restaurant scene is still cooking with gas. Here’s the low-down on some new restaurants opening within the next few weeks.

Michael O’Halloran of Old City’s Bistro 7 will be opening his sophomore effort, Kong (7 N. Third St.) this Saturday. Located in Northern Liberties, Kong will serve up Chinese street food inspired by the food stalls of Hong Kong.

Also on tap this month is Jose Garces’ fifth Philly spot, Village Whiskey (118 S. 20th St.). The cocktail bar will feature more than 100 whiskies and a menu of small plates that includes an already buzzed burger.

Matt Levin, formerly the executive chef at Lacroix, is opening his first solo effort in Manayunk, Rubb (4445 Main St.), and the mohawked pig logo is proof this barbecue spot will feature no white tablecloths. The restaurant isn’t much more than an empty storefront now, but Levin and his crew turned heads at the Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge this weekend with their hand-pulled pork and mustard seed sandwich.

With a post-Labor Day opening planned, fish (1708 Lombard St.) is opening in the long-time home of Astral Plane. It’ll be the roomier sequel to Mike Stollenwerk’s praised Little Fish.

Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida, who already have opened Local 44 and Memphis Taproom in short order, are turning Center City South’s Yello’Bar into their third spot, Resurrection Ale House (2425 Grays Ferry Ave.). Described as a beer bistro, the restaurant will focus on cooking with seasonal ingredients — and of course, pouring great beers.