2 Bells For Bistrot La Minette

Much like last week’s review by Trey Popp, Craig LaBan finds some missteps in the entrees at Bistrot La Minette but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t find plenty to like at the French bistro.

But there were also plenty of bright spots to overcome these hesitations, especially in the menu’s first half. A complimentary amuse-bouche is always a thoughtful start, and few morsels make me as happy as a good gougère, a little pastry puff filled with warm cheese-scented air. At my second meal, a silky dollop of salmon rillettes was equally welcoming.

We then dove into some beautifully rendered appetizers. The succulent sweetness of seared scallops played against the tangy bitterness of Belgian endive braised in orange juice. The Alsatian-style flammenküche, a crisp flatbread topped with deeply caramelized onions, chewy bacon lardons, and nutmeg-scented streaks of creme fraiche, is hands down one of the better upscale “pizzas” in town.

Two Bells – Very Good

Bistrot La Minette [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Bistrot La Minette [Official Site]