Craig LaBan takes on Novita Bistro, an Italian BYOB that thankfully comes with a Morrocan twist.

[I]t is [Chef Hassan] Zanzoul’s increasing willingness to cook the flavors of his native Morocco that has finally given this pleasant bistro its first air of distinction. The garlicky house-made merguez lamb sausage is among my favorites here, grilled to a crispy brown for an appetizer over a coarse hummuslike mash of chickpeas ringed by vibrant red charmoula sauce. It’s also served as an entree over couscous alongside a brochette of big marinated grilled shrimp. The ever-cautious Zanzoul makes these skinless links with less chile heat than I’d like (and he’d like, for that matter), but this also allows the spice box of other aromatics to surge forth in a chorus of cumin, anise, paprika, and allspice that finds an echo in the tangy charmoula, a citrusy brew tinged sunburst red and smoky with paprika and cayenne.

Two Bells – Very Good

Novita Bistro [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Novita Bistro [Official Site]

Are you ready to step into the Octo? Rock Lobster which was closed all last season is coming back as Octo, complete with an octopus tank. [The Insider]

Novita Bistro on South Street has a new menu, focusing more on Moroccan dishes than their previous Mediterranean menu. [Meal Ticket]

A quiet buzz is building for Bibou near the Italian Market. Former Le Bec-Fin Executive Chef Pierre Calmels is behind the project and the menu looks promising. [The Insider]

Talula’s Table has signed a temporary lease on a corner property directly across from America’s most difficult reservation. If they get the financing, Aimee Olexy and Bryan Sikora imagine being up and running within 6 months. [Meal Ticket]

Transit hasn’t been an everyday spot for awhile now but word is it is no more. [Ice Pack, City Paper]

Flavors of the Avenue is a victim in Vince Fumo’s downfall. The festival has been cancelled as Fumo-backed Citizens Alliance has dropped out from cleanup duty. The local business improvement district can’t foot the $20,000 bill. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Wegman’s Downingtown location will begin selling beer by the end of the month.

The folk behind Thai Pepper, Flavor, Azie and Teikoku in the ‘burbs is now opening Parker’s Prime, a steakhouse in Newtown Square. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Tony Luke’s The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone took home the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the Philadelphia Film Festival/Cinefest. [The Clog]

Novitra Bistro brings another Italian BYOB to Philadelphia, albeit with hints of Morocco. City Paper’s David Snyder suggest that maybe that’s what they should focus on.

[Chef/co-owner Hassan] Zanzoul, a native Moroccan, cut his teeth cooking in Italy for roughly 10 years before attending the French Culinary Institute. And, much like the décor of this 36-seater — artwork featuring Italian and French street scenes alongside Moroccan pots nestled discreetly in dark corners — the menu reflects a triumvirate of influences. “My menu is very open for everybody,” Zanzoul said.

But homogeneity has its price. I understand why restaurants continue to be tempted to employ the Italian BYOB model — somehow, after all of these years, it still works. But many Philadelphians are looking for an antidote to the formula. And it’s disappointing to see something that could help to meet that need — a stand-alone Moroccan place, perhaps? — be diluted by more of the same.

Missing Morocco [City Paper]

Noble American Cookery will bring another James Beard nominated chef to the city when it opens on the 2000 block of Sansom next month. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

There’s musical real estate in West Philadelphia. Abbraccio has been sold to Vietnam Cafe’s owner, Benny Lai. Abbracio’s Roger Harman will remain through mid-February and then will conver 4800 Baltimore Ave into a BYOB and coffee shop called the Gold Standard. Vietnam Cafe will expan through to the former Italian restaurant. [The Insider]

Looks like Avram Hornik may have unloaded Bar Noir to a former Tir Na Nog bartender, Michael Welsh. [Ice Pack, City Paper]

“West South Street’s” Novita Bistro offering an affordable weekend brunch with prices topping out at $11.95. [Meal Ticket]

The first blurb we’ve heard about the new Novitá Bistro on South Street comes from Michael Klein and the Inquirer and it sounds enticing.

Follow a sublime gnocchi or mushroom-ravioli appetizer with Galletto al Mattone, a boneless Cornish hen, butterflied and pan-roasted, and served atop escarole, white beans and sliced garlic.

Good Taste [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Drew Lazor has the opening night details including the menu for Novità Bistro, the Mediterranean BYOB at 1608 South Street.

Novita Bistro opens tonight [The Clog]

There is some restaurant life in the Graduate Hospital/Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse area of town. Next door to Pumpkin Market, Novitá Bistro, a Mediterranean BYOB is looking to open this September at 1608 South Street. There will be between 35 and 40 seats and dishes and cuisines from the region will be featured.

Novitá Bistro coming this fall [The Clog]