June 22nd, 2011

Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square, Parc Brasserie, Restaurant, Bistro, Cafe, Review, Pennsylvania

Away from the Beaches for 24 hours.  Back already.  A road trip.  I am getting to know Philadelphia, but I still have a long ways to go.  Having worked and lived in Baltimore, Maryland, I really never went much to Phildelphia.  Now, I am going full steam ahead; way into walking the streets, checking the neighborhoods and experiencing its restaurants….all the way to the food trucks.

After driving for a couple of hours it was time for a walk.  Just like I enjoy seeing the roadhouses in Baltimore, Philadelphia has beautiful ones, as well.  At this time of the year some looked so amazing.

It was around 2 p.m. and not having eaten, Michael and I decided to walk in the direction of Rittenhouse Square. 

Rittenhouse Square was named for astronomer/clockmaker, David Rittenhouse.  He was a descendant of William Rittenhouse, who built the first paper mill in America in Germantown.  He was also the President of the American Philosophical Society and the first Director of the United States Mint.

Rittenhouse Square has always denoted quality.  And, to have lived near or on the Square was a mark of prestige.

Fountains, trees, and benches for people to sit and relax.  At that time of the day, the heat was getting up there and just to be under the canopy of those trees was instant relief.

The Parc Brasserie, a Bistro and Cafe.  Usually, I would sit outside, if available, but after walking so much; air condition was what I wanted.

The Parc Brasserie is located at 227 South 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.  Tel. 215-646-2262.  Website?  www.parc-restaurant.com.  Parc is part of the famility of restaurants owned by Starr Restaurants.

Ornate ceilings, the restaurant pays hommage to the French Cafe culture.  We had a perfect seat; looking over Rittenhouse Square and checking the passersby; some walking their four legged friends and others just enjoying a beautiful day in the city.

The bread was to die for; baguettes are made in-house daily.

We shared an appetizer of Chicken Liver Mousse with pickled shallots and grain mustard.  Again, this bread was thick, warm and oh, so good.  Perfect appetizer for a hot day.

Then Michael ordered the Lamb Sandwich, with Harissa aioli and arugula.  Pomme frites? Of course, how could you not?  Took a bite; very good.

Just in case you did not know what Harissa is; I did not know either.  It is a condiment from North Africa and the Middle East.  It is made from chiles, oil, garlic and cilantro, pounded with cumin or ground coriander and sometimes dried mint or verbena leaves.

I ordered the Nicoise Salad with seared tuna, shaved vegetables and lemon vinaigrette.  It had been some time since I had a Nicoise Salad; fresh and light.  The tuna, the white anchovies and the combination of the veggies with the lemon vinaigrette, made it so special.  The lettuce? Buttery comes to mind.

A leisure afternoon with great food, great service, and the perfect view, as well.

No sweet ending at this time of the day.  But an espresso we did have.  We still had dinner in mind and some more walking to do.

 Note:  Some info. for my post was taken from www.ushistory.org.

Talk to you later….