Bon Appétit’s 24 Best New Restaurants List Includes Two Philadelphia Restaurants

Bon Appétit Magazine has named the 24 Best New Restaurants of 2023, and Philadelphia is represented not once, but twice on this list. Bon Appétit Magazine has been in publication since 1956. Trusted for 66 years on the subject, their editors are able to spot the best and brightest in all things food. Their list of the 24 Best New Restaurants of 2023 is out, and Philly is in there with two very different choices.

In all honesty, I've never heard of either spot. That doesn't say anything though. We've got a toddler, and we admittedly don't get out much. I will say though, that these two are now on my radar, and I can't wait to visit. Two very different types of food offerings too. One is a vegan restaurant, and one literally has the word sausage in the restaurant name itself. Different, but both sound delicious. Two different Philly neighborhoods too.

Bon Appétit describes this place essentially as a regular butcher shop and sandwich joint that becomes something else altogether on Thursday and Friday nights. Check out the write up in Bon Appétit HERE. It sounds pretty fancy on Thursday and Friday nights, with homemade pasta dishes and a four course meal for about a dozen people at a time. Hit them up on a Sunday though, as a catering option for an Eagles game. They do everything from Eagles tailgates to office lunch meetings and charcuterie boards. Just be sure to give them a heads up 48 hours in advance. They bake all of their bread fresh in house.

Located at 1527 w Porter St, South Philadelphia.

Here's the description from the Heavy Metal Sausage Co. website:

"We are an all local, specialty meat producer, butcher & deli. We make all kinds of sausage, pâtés, salami, scrapple, etc. We mill flour, we bake bread and we hand make pasta. But most importantly, we support local farmers, producers and artisans that raise animals, grow produce, and craft items sustainably and ethically. We are proud to support our local farmers and our community. We do everything we can to only use local ingredients, though there are a handful of things we have to source from outside our region."

Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays 10am-4pm, and Trattoria on Thursday and Friday nights: seating at 6pm and 8:30pm. with 4 courses served family style, $75 per person. Make a reservation HERE.

So there's the carnivore option.

The other Bon Appétit Best New Restaurant Philly pick is vegan, but they are pretty clear that the word vegan doesn't do the restaurant justice.

The quote in the article Bon Appétit makes me want to try everything on the Pietramala menu as soon as possible. Amiel Stanek says, "No bite will leave you wanting, no swipe of sauce will fail to elate. This is post "-vegan”; it’s beyond “plant-based”; it’s smart and fun and craveable in equal measure." I'm not sure this could have been a nicer write-up. I'm sold. Delicious and innovative and completely animal free food.

Located at 614 N 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123 in Northern Liberties.

Here's the description from the Pietramala website:

"A little restaurant putting plants on a pedestal." Love it.

It's BYOB and $20 per bottle service. Open 5-9pm Tuesday through Saturday. Make a reservation HERE.

Excited to try both of these spots, and soon. If you want to read more about what they had to say, or see about the other 22 Best New Restaurants nationwide, head HERE to check out the entire list.

And eh... Bon Appétit! (I had to.)

Fall seems to arrive earlier every year. Coffee shops like Starbucks now introduce their autumn-themed drinks as early as August, and stores swiftly stock their shelves with Halloween decorations.

When we think of fall flavors, pumpkin spice often comes to mind. Many of us are aware that pumpkin spice isn't actually derived from pumpkins. A pumpkin is a squash that has a distinct taste far from the combination of cinnamon and syrup. Pumpkin spice is just a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

While this spice blend lends its flavor to a wide range of products, including lattes, cereal, pretzels, donuts, gum, and more, it's worth mentioning that not all people prefer it. In fact, there exists a Reddit thread specifically devoted to discussing the dislike of pumpkin spice-flavored items. A commenter expressed, "I'm in the hate pumpkin spice camp as well. It absolutely takes over the dairy aisle in the stores to the point of not carrying my usual products." Another Redditor added their thoughts with, "Every season they hardcore promote pumpkin spice everything to kick off fall, and I hate it. It doesn't even smell that good."

Besides the popular pumpkin spice latte, there's a wide variety of seasonal ingredients that contribute to the special taste of autumn, whether you're preparing your own homemade treats or enjoying comforting dishes. These flavors range from the components in traditional apple pie recipes to the aromatic spices found in typical autumn soups, all representing the essence of the season's most cherished foods. Who knows, maybe down the road, we'll be as crazy about apples or cinnamon as we are about pumpkin spice.

If you're looking to step away from the pumpkin spice trend or simply want to savor a wider range of fall flavors, take a peek at these other flavors that scream "autumn."

Apples and the fall season are often linked and commonly used in Halloween activities and various desserts. When autumn rolls around, apples ripen into those sweet goodies people adore, making them the stars of the show in loads of fall recipes, from apple crumble cakes to good old apple pies. And let's not overlook the classic favorites of apple cider and cider donuts.

Cinnamon has the perfect Fall vibe, especially when you mix it with classics like apple, sugar, or vanilla. While it enhances the taste of traditional autumn recipes, cinnamon can also stand on its own. This sweet spice is like the secret ingredient for giving your treats that homemade autumn taste. So, whether you're spicing up your morning joe, cookie dough, or even a hearty stew, just a dash of cinnamon will cozy up your recipe game.

Caramel is a go-to sweet treat when the weather gets cooler. You can just drizzle it over almost anything baked, whether it's warm apple crisp or a big scoop of ice cream. And if you're feeling fancy, a pinch of sea salt can take it up a notch. It's a perfect match for Fall classics like apples, ice cream, or brownies.

Incorporating a touch of maple can infuse your dish with an ideal blend of sweetness and earthiness. This delightful maple essence works wonders in desserts such as maple buttercream frosting, maple cookies, and even pumpkin pie. It also shines in savory dishes like maple bacon, maple-glazed salmon, and chipotle maple chicken wings.

Almonds are another fall favorite. They add a cozy, nutty taste to both sweet and savory dishes, like almond cake with chai or salads with autumn fruits and veggies. They make everything from pumpkin pies to roasted Brussels sprouts even more delicious. So, this Fall, remember that almonds are one the flavors of the season.

Pecans are a prized autumn nut, celebrated for their sweet, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Pecan pies, pecan bars, and candied pecans are just a few examples of how these nuts are featured in Fall desserts. Their distinct taste and texture make them a must-have during holiday gatherings.

Sweet potatoes are a beloved Fall ingredient, known for their earthy sweetness and versatility. They take center stage in classic dishes like sweet potato casserole and sweet potato fries. Packed with nutrients, they offer comfort and wholesomeness in every bite, making them a staple of Fall meals.

Known for their tartness and vibrant red color, cranberries bring a zesty kick to Fall meals. Whether in the form of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or dried cranberries in salads, they add a burst of flavor that balances the richness of other fall dishes. Cranberries are a nod to the season's crispness and festivity.