Restaurant notes: Chestnut7 dialing up Chestnut Hill
The former Solaris Grille has a new tenant.
Since the sun set last month on Solaris Grille after nearly 13 years. a slew of restaurateurs (including Georges Perrier) toured the space at 8201 Germantown Ave.
The new tenant will be a casual place called Chestnut7 Kitchen & Bar, playing off the old telephone exchange. Principals are Kevin Clib (who owns Bridgets and KC's Alley in Ambler) and Brian Harrington (whose holdings include City Tap House and the Public House in Philly).
Clib says they're opening up the interior, as well as the facade, to allow for a 35-seat U-shaped bar, backed by 12 to 20 beer lines. They're also ripping out the tile floor in favor of hardwood.
Menu will include specialty pizzas and fresh seafood, with a chalkboard menu. All prices will be under $22. Target opening is May.
Also on the Avenue:
Blackfish's Chip Roman and Jason Cichonski are targeting March 18 for the opening of Mica, their restaurant at 8609 Germantown Ave., where Cuba was, near Bethlehem Pike. Offering ambitious tasting menus, they're going the BYOB route until the liquor license comes through.
And a half-block up, at the Top of the Hill Plaza, Thai Kuu is taking shape for a late-March opening. Specialty: hot-rock cooking. Details here.