Bibou: Tale of the Tape

Bibou, the storefront French BYOB near the Italian Market has created substantial buzz the old fashioned way, culinary pedigree. Here’s the tale of the tape.

Space

• Tiny storefront on South 8th Street near the Italian Market.
• Used to be home to another French BYOB, David Ansill’s Pif.
• Hardwood floors, blonde chairs and white tablecloths set in a peach and charcoal accented room.
• Capacity for 30.

The Owners

• Pierre Calmels and his wife Charlotte.
• Pierre Calmels was Le Bec-Fin’s Executive Chef for five years.
  • French born and trained.
  • First US job was at Daniel in New York.
• Met his wife in Switzerland.
  • She joined him in United States, working at Brasserie Perrier, Restaurant School, Patou and Bistro St. Tropez.

The Menu

• Traditional French menu with an emphasis on freshness.
• Prices range from $7 for soup to $26 for hanger steak with shallot and red wine sauce.
• Highlights include:
  • Escargots with fava beans and mushrooms, flavored with tarragon
  • Pan-seared foie gras with roasted mango, Port wine and cassis reduction
  • Braised pig feet stuffed with foie gra, green lentils
  • Duck magret “Tournedos” style, sauteed arugula, gratin Dauphinois, honey and lavender sauce.

Bibou
1009 S 8th St
215-965-8290

Bibou [Official Site]
Table Talk: French flavor in a small space [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Bibou [Thrillist]
Five Questions: Pierre Calmels, Chef/Owner, Bibou [Philadelphia Magazine]