Watch for an opening next Friday in the old Koko space (3257 Ivanhoe, near Jamieson and I-44) of Bistro Toi. The best-known name associated with the place is Pepe Kehm, who’s been associated with such places as Spaghetteria Mama Mia, Felix’s and Corky’s; the Thai-native chef is named Toi.

Bistro Toi is described as an “Asian, Pan-European restaurant…where East meets West.” That whole “East meets West” thing brought back memories of the old Marco Polo’s near I-44 and Kingshighway and its China-meets-Italy approach. And, in fact, Bistro Toi has an entree called Marco Polo, described as spaghetti and Thai meatballs. Bistro Toi’s phone is 314-646-1100.

And Eddie Neill has set a Wednesday, Oct. 1 grand opening benefit for his Wm. Shakespeare’s Gastropub, Grand and Washington in Grand Center (in the former Gary’s and Duke’s space). The event is from 5-8 p.m. Food at that point will only be appetizers; the $10 suggested donation benefits the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Uganda Project. RSVP to eddie@dublinerstl.com.

Neill says Wm. Shakespeare’s should open to the public formally the second or third week of October.