Stephen Starr, a Philadelphia restaurant impresario, impressed me so much on my last visit to the city of Brotherly Love in April when I ate at Talula’s Garden, I wanted to try another establishment. Earlier this month a business trip brought me back to Philadelphia and I was able to try Parc Bistro and Cafe in Rittenhouse Square.
Upon entering Parc there is no doubt you are in a large, bustling French restaurant, and I immediately felt at home walking into this brasserie. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, allowing my colleagues and me to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
The dinner menu is divided into “fruits de mer” ranging between $10-$20; hors d’oeuvres and salads $8-$20; main plates $16-$32; as well as signature “specialites du jour” $31-$34. While everyone enjoyed dinner, my colleague’s steak frites $27 seemed to be the most tempting.
Beet Salad $12 Spinach Ravioli $20
I started my dinner with the beet salad accompanied by mascarpone cheese, candied walnuts and dressed with a pomegranate vinaigrette. The rich, smooth Italian cheese combined with the beets and frisee was refreshing and I could eat it again and again. Unfortunately, the spinach ravioli, which I ordered as my main plate (this is also available as a hors d’oeuvres) was bland and a bit disappointing.
Despite the lackluster ravioli, if I lived in this part of town I’d come here often. I loved the vibe of this place and I think you will too.
Parc Brasserie 227 S. 18th Street / (215) 545-2262
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