New Viet BYOB in University City
Saigon Cuisine replaces Nan.
What was the trailblazing Nan - a French-Thai mix at 40th and Chestnut - is now Saigon Cuisine (4000 Chestnut St., 215-222-9777).
Joey Sang, a clothing manufacturer, runs this BYOB serving Vietnamese fare such as pho, bun, noodle dishes, rice plates, and soup/congee; just about everything on the menu is below $13. Sang has opened up the dining room, giving it a lighter air. The website does not yet work.
Nan chef/owner Kamol Phutlek gave up the restaurant last spring when he became ill. Phutlek defined French and Thai cooking for several generations of Philadelphians, starting in the late 1960s at La Panetiere in Center City (now Vetri), then La Terrasse in University City, then Alouette in Queen Village (where Southwark is now), and Gourmet Restaurant in Northeast Philly.
Saigon Cuisine's hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, till 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.