Finally, a slew of new restaurants that we’ve been waiting for are ready to go. May brings some of the most anticipated openings from a New York burger chain (Goodburger, May 3) to Rittenhouse’s newest (only?) North Indian spot (Ashoka Palace, May 1). Michael Solomonov of Marigold Kitchen unlocked the doors at Zahav two days ago to crowds hungry for the menu of hot coal-roasted kebabs, four types of hummus and other Israeli meze. Apothecary Bar + Lounge opens today in Midtown Village, boasting elixir-like cocktails, very sharable small plates and the city's newest rooftop deck. Also yesterday the brothers Feury premiered long-delayed Maia in Villanova, a café and market with a Scandinavian (!) accent and valet parking (!!), and Cypriot BYOB Kanella started dinner yesterday after an Orthodox Greek Easter lunch last Sunday. Union Gourmet Market and Memphis Taproom are both open. Word is May 18 for Table 31, Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio’s Comcast Center foray; May 20 for Eric Ripert’s 10 Arts; and Memorial Day weekend for Fort Lauderdale-based churrascaria Chima (pronounced SHEE-mah, lest you say CHEE-mah and make a fool of yourself in front of the Brazilian supermodel you’ve been courting). When it rains it certainly pours.

In this flood of fresh meat, perhaps you forgot Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Could you think of a better reason to drive out to Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Washington Crossing? They’re doing a seven-course dinner (with pairings) for moms on Sat., May 10, for only $50. Straight from the press—release—es: “The menu includes: Jumbo Crab Cakes with Whole Grain Mustard Sauce, paired with Chardonnay ’06; Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Vinegar Reduction, paired with Vintner’s Select White (NV); Pulled Pork Spring Roll with Barbecue Dipping Sauce, paired with Riesling’06; Fromage d’Affinois with Sweet Apple Compote on a Mulitgrain cracker, paired with Apple Wine (NV); Potato Pancake with Lingonberry and Sour Cream, paired with Pinot Noir 06;  Garlic and Rosemary Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon ’06; and Chocolate Ganache Tartlet with Raspberry Coulis, paired with Wild Berry Wine (NV).” After dinner, Crossing Vineyards learns to get a handle on their capitalization fetish.

Greg and Mary Russell are now the official owners of Zocalo, the sunny West Philly cantina of which he’s been the chef of for years. Swing by for happy hour (nightly 4:30 - 6pm) for 25-percent off house margaritas, sangrias, selected beers and all appetizers. My pick: the sikilpak, a Mayan dip of coarsely ground pumpkin seed, cilantro, garlic, lime and jalapenos.

Paging beer geeks: brewer and author Randy Mosher (Brewer's Companion, Radical Brewing) is hosting a class at Tria Fermentation School on May 20 ($50) “that will take your taste buds back in time to explore the pioneers and boundary pushers of [radical] brews.” On the same night, Brooklyn Brewery’s Garrett Oliver is hosting a $100 100-percent pork dinner (including wild ramp ravioli with pig’s foot ragu—yum!) at Osteria.

But perhaps the most important news of the month is that the Jefferson location of Bonte, waffle shop of heaven, is now morphing into a PM dessert lounge. I didn’t know you could make their Belgian street-style gaufres any better. Then they added ice cream.