Rewind to May 16th, the proud day I got to see my big sis, Kerry, graduate with her Masters in Education from St. Joe’s University….
Mealtime in my family is a priority. We plan our days, vacations, celebrations, weekends, & social activities around what & where we’ll be eating. So when the conversation started on a lunch spot for after Ker’s graduation, it was time to try something new in the the gastro-city of Philadelphia. I accepted that challenge and went on a quest to find the right spot. Of course, with the onset of Spring weather, outdoor seating was definitely a must. Long story short, my process of elimination led me to what is now my new favorite restaurant in Philly!
Happy Graduation, Kerry!
Some of my Philly folk may remember the Dalmatian building at 6th & Bainbridge across from Beau Monde. I so loved the giant dog painting that adorned that abandoned row home from top to bottom & was sad when I learned it would be no more. Until my recent visit, I regretfully ignored all existence of the new restaurant at that location.
According to their website & true to the experience, Bistrot la Minette is a classic French bistro. Granted I’ve never been to France (though it’s a life long dream & up to the challenge to see if 6 years of French meant anything), it felt nothing but authentic from appetizer to dessert. Bistrot offers inside seating as well as a front deck with a few tables & a back courtyard area. We chose the back courtyard & were instantly transported to France. The only other guests for our early lunch seating were two French families chatting away which took the ambiance to a whole new level! Our server was cute, knowledgeable, & relaxed enough to engage my dad in his typical waitstaff banter. So, overall the atmosphere was on point…. now on to the food!!
I’m not going to give much written fanfare in regards to the food as its simple elegance shown in the photos below reflect how delicious everything was!
Escargots Bourguignons
Boules Marinières
Terrine de Campagne
Confit de Canard
Steak au Poivre
Quiche aux Poireaux et Chevre
Cassis, Strawberry, & Lemon-Fromage Sorbets
You also can’t beat their lunch prix fixe options! The Dinner Menu is lengthier & a bit pricier, but worth every cent. Our next visit we’ll be trying their French Family Dinner Menu offered for 4-20 guest in their private salon!
Déjeuner du Bistrot la Minette
Disclaimer
My hope isn’t to focus on restaurant critiques, but to share my food experiences with others & to celebrate others culinary ventures. Granted I do have strong opinions about the restaurants I frequent & those I will never return to, so if you want suggestions on where to eat (or not eat), feel free to ask me directly. I love sharing my opinion!
No Love More Sincere 
You will have to take me to this place next month when I come to visit. I’m glad Kerry and the family had a nice graduation meal. I didn’t hear about it. I haven’t had really authentic french food for years – can’t wait!
Also note that planning a family get together also entails finding a location where “beverages” can compliment the dining experience.