NOW SEATING
Will BYOB | Chef Chris Kearse, formerly of Pumpkin BYOB, has made the transition to chef-owner with the opening of his East Passyunk spot, Will. The cozy 30-seat BYOB puts out artfully plated, modern French offerings like rabbit rillettes with red plum; corn veloute with lobster, vadouvan and shisito pepper; and skate with garlic scapes and Manila clams. Open Tue.-Sun., 5:30-10 p.m.; 1911 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-7683, willbyob.com.
Pizza Brain | Few casual-dining openings in recent memory have been quite so rabidly anticipated as that of new pizzeria/museum Pizza Brain. Diners will find strictly American-style pies on the wide-ranging menu, whose breadth pales in comparison only to the Guinness World Record-holding collection of pizza memorabilia on display. Options range from basic red pies to white pies like the Queenie Delouche, topped with fontina, goat cheese, garlic, rosemary and portobello and shiitake mushrooms. Open Tue.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 11 a.m.-midnight. 2313 Frankford Ave., 215-291-2965, pizzabrain.org.
Magpie Artisan Pie Boutique | Pie devotees are flocking to this long-awaited addition to South Street with its laser-like focus on the beloved pastry and promises of new tastes to match the season. The shop’s not shy on sweets, with decadent flavors like butterscotch bourbon and buttery caramel apple. But owner Holly Ricciardi isn’t just serving up dessert — she’s got savory options, too, like a croque-monsieur pie. The truly insatiable can even order up a pie latte. Open Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1622 South St., 267-519-2904, iluvmagpie.com.
The Mildred | Setting up shop in the former James space is The Mildred, a British-inflected concept from Michael Santoro (formerly of Talula’s Garden and of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) and Michael Dorris. Menu highlights include stuffed quail, vitello tonnato, and bratwurst with charred onions, grapes and lovage. Expect a high-caliber wine list, heavy on acidic varieties to complement the food. Open Tue.-Sat., 5:30-11 p.m.; Sun., 5:30-10:30 p.m. 824 S. Eighth St., 267-687-1600, the-mildred.com.
Also in this week's food section:
