Dante: A brunch spot for East Passyunk

Contractor Pasquale Digiulio Jr. says the restaurant-rich East Passyunk Ave. strip needs more daytime options. (More than Plenty, Black n Brew, B2, Green Eggs, Stogie's, Chhaya...)

He is about two weeks from opening Dante, a tastefully appointed breakfast/bruncherie, at 1615 E. Passyunk Ave. in the former Metro Men shop. It's right next to Capogiro and the forthcoming Townsend.

Digiulio has installed a coffee bar for seating - with a mural of the Amalfi Coast on the wall behind. There will have high-tops along the French doors as well as a few tables in the back.

Chef Vincent Tancredi's last stop was Pizzicato in Old City, and manager will be Jack Miller.

In other EPX news: Karina's will not be moving from 1520 E. Passyunk Ave. into a spot around the corner because of construction issues, reports the Passyunk Post. The BYOB instead will take 617 S. Third St. in Queen Village, the former Gayle and Hoof + Fin space. Karina's old spot is being readied, perhaps this summer, as Brigantessa, an Italian from the crew from Le Virtu down the street.