Out and About

Sanctuaries on 2nd

The Queen Village culinary scene greets a newcomer and welcomes back an old friend.

By Michael and Cait Allen

Crème Br lée Bistro and Café

Wistful about that who-knowswhen flight to Paris that certainly had no chance in 2020? Find solace at Crème Brulée Bistro and Café, 618 S. 2nd Street, led by brothers Dareo and Armando Tapio. Armando started bistro life as a dishwasher, but soon his talent for baking French delicacies propelled him to sous-chef and then to confidante of noted New York chocolate and pastry chefs. Dareo adds heartier fare to Armando’s baking prowess to establish a true French bistro in the family neighborhood that is Queen Village.

“We don’t use machines,” Dareo explains, “because we wanted to show that we can make everything by hand. And we use a lot of special techniques with the bread.” The artisan baguettes have acolytes in us. (They attract “oh-my” stares on the street and even compliments in their chic paper bags.)

“We put too much love in the bread,” Dareo says. No! Wrong! Don’t do a single thing to disturb the enchanting array of pastries, croissants, and sandwiches. Let us just enjoy our coffee and take in all the happiness.

Almond brioche, anyone? Photo credit: Michael Allen

Take your pick—Opera cake, cheesecake, or chocolate mousse? Photo credit: Michael Allen

East Philly Cafe Pop-Up at Bridget Foy’s

COVID-19 is and was the last of many challenges facing the re-emergence of Bridget Foy’s at 200 South Street. The planned spring 2020 opening careened to stay-at-home halt. And yet the pandemic inspired deluxe, permanent outdoor heaters and a take-home friendly menu for pop-up East Philly Cafe. (Once pandemic restrictions are lifted later this year, the restaurant is planning a grand re-opening.)

“Right now, we are small, but mighty,” says Bridget Foy. And yet, this brand-new space captures something that transcends mightiness. It has a comfortable, welcoming vibe that creates exactly the kind of place we need as the pressures of the pandemic churn onward.

We sat down to what may be the king of comfort food—their dry-aged burger, which is ground in house. One bite in, and we realized that this burger is a reminder of the best Fourth of July picnic from childhood minus the family drama. (The adults are eating right off the grill while the kids run through the sprinkler.) We especially loved the stand-up-and-take-notice dose of horseradish in the sauce. Their beautifully quirky and retro tomato soup comes with a skewer of cubed grilled cheese. Finally, try the grape pie as you sip on the signature Milk Punch, which is infused with a Pirates of the Caribbean flair.

Thanks, Bridget Foy’s, for letting us forget for a while and enjoy the return of life’s simple pleasures! ■

(Top) The East Philly Burger will remind you of your favorite Fourth of July barbecue. (Bottom) Try the tomato soup and grilled cheese dipper—a sophisticated twist on a childhood favorite. Photo credit: Marenco Photo