Table Talk: Triangle Tavern reopens

A deep cleaning is the obvious change at the Triangle Tavern (1338 S. 10th St., 215-800-1992), which has held the corner of 10th and Reed Streets since Prohibition ended. It reopened this week under Stephen Simons and David Frank, who own Royal Tavern, Khyber Pass Pub, Cantina Los Caballitos, and Cantina Dos Segundos.

The menu from chef Mark McKinney includes long-ago staples: roast beef, mussels in red or white sauce, and meatballs. There's also a sizable vegetarian and even vegan selection, including vegan roast beef and wings.

Simons and Frank left the layout and vibe of the barroom and dining room much as they were, hewing to tradition just as Mark Bee did at Franky Bradley's, Avram Hornik did with the Dolphin Tavern, and the Garces Group did at the Olde Bar.

It's open nightly.

Laurel - Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi's plush BYOB on East Passyunk Avenue - will expand next door into 1615 E. Passyunk Ave., which for a very brief spell was a coffee shop called Dante. Elmi plans to work through the summer to renovate the space, which will add a bar. After Laurel's usual vacation at the end of August, Elmi plans to combine the spaces and then reopen to offer a wine and spirit program to enhance the experience. Elmi says Laurel will still offer BYOB "in some capacity."

Bibou (1009 S. Eighth St.) has reopened after a renovation that has yielded fewer seats (now 20) and the chef's services of co-owner Pierre Calmels, who has left Le Cheri in the hands of chef de cuisine Steve DeLorean. It's open for dinner (two seatings) Wednesday to Saturday with a set menu ($100, cash only). It's still BYOB.

Chef Konstantinos Pitsillades says May 31 will be the last day of service at Kanella, his Greek Cypriot BYOB at 10th and Spruce Streets, as he's moving to larger quarters - with a liquor license - at 757 S. Front St. in Queen Village. Pitsillades will call it Kanella South, and it will occupy the longtime Frederick's at 757 S. Front St., which most recently was the Village Belle.

Darling's Diner at the Piazza at Schmidts had a busy Mother's Day - and closed the next day. This was the remaining of three locations.

Smith & Wollensky, which has run out of gas after 15 years at the Rittenhouse Hotel, has set May 23 as its final night.

Saying he has other business opportunities, Donal McCoy has listed 20 S. Second St., home of the Tin Angel and Serrano. McCoy, who is keeping it open, said he was asking $1.75 million for the whole operation but would be amenable to a lease.

Pastry chef Monica Glass, who was executive pastry chef at 10 Arts during its Eric Ripert/Jennifer Carroll days before heading to Boston for two years, has returned to Philadelphia, joining Kevin Sbraga's empire: Sbraga, Juniper Commons, and the Fat Ham.

Chef Joseph Shilling has been named culinary director of EAT, the restaurant space at 712 W. Girard Ave. that hosts assorted pop-ups. He will program the space and cook at his own events, starting with a dinner on Thursday