CHEFS TO KNOW NOW
Fall is synonymous with restaurant openings. What else would there be to look forward to with vacation season in the rearview mirror? Here, a few of the masterminds behind Philly’s buzziest concepts.
CRAIG POLIGNANO
Polignano is in charge of the new King of Prussia Mall branch of chef Scott Anderson’s Princeton restaurant, Mistral. Polignano’s menu isn’t like anything you’ve had at a mall before. 160 N. Gulph Road, mistralkop.com
FRANCESCO CROVETTI
At Rione, Philly has its fi rst operation dedicated to al taglio, the scissor-snipped pizzas served all over Italy. In charge is Crovetti and his business partner and wife, Alison, who do about 12 different pies daily. 102 S. 21st St., rionepizza.com
ANDY TESSIER
Formerly of the (now closed) The Farm & Fisherman, Tessier, along with his wife, Judy Ni, runs bāo•logy, a fast- casual shop stocked with the street foods of Ni’s Taiwanese ancestry. 1829 John F. Kennedy Blvd., baology.com
STEVE FORTE
A veteran of Las Mas Perrier and Fork, Forte brings a robust résumé to his new position as the head chef of Nicholas Elmi’s Quebec- influenced, seafoodand- charcuterie spot in Old City, Royal Boucherie. 52 S. 2nd St.
KIKI ARANITA AND CHRIS VACCA
The follow- up to their Hawaiian- inspired snack truck, Poi Dog, is a sunlit storefront off the Square, where the self-taught chefs turn out the best fried chicken (mochi nori) in town. 100 1/2 S. 21st St., poidogphilly.com