Bibou, Philadelphia

My husband and I decided to celebrate our first wedding anniversary with dinner at Bibou in Philadelphia. The charming BYOB is a regular on the city’s best restaurants list. Bibou’s menu focuses on inventive French fare and changes weekly.

We arrived slightly early for our reservation and were seated immediately. The host took our wine and Champagne to chill as we began to look at the items on the seven-course tasting menu. The meal began with a light amuse bouche trio of a mushroom cake, rabbit terrine and snap pea salad. Each was tasty and offered a nice preview of flavors to come. The first course was my favorite: a beet and watermelon soup. The chilled soup was topped with a light, creamy cheese and shaved, cured egg yolk.

The next two courses highlighted seafood. First was a scallop cannelloni followed up with a pike dish accompanied with mushrooms and carrots. In between courses we enjoyed fresh-baked bread with rich French butter. Despite the rotating menu, Bibou keeps its signature foie gras dish on the menu each week. While the rich dish is not usually a favorite of mine, I did appreciate the presentation at Bibou. It’s served warm with seasonal fruit, pumpkin bread and a crème caramel. We enjoyed a palate cleanser of grapefruit sorbet, much appreciated after the rich dish.

The main course during our visit was guinea fowl with potatoes and spring onions finished with a buttery mushroom sauce. Ahead of dessert we had a light cheese course of a Swiss-style cheese, tomato jam and bread. Dessert was a New Jersey blueberry soufflé finished with goat milk crème anglaise. As a last bite, we enjoyed a small plate of coconut macaroons and madeleines. Overall, it was a memorable meal and a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.

Service was impeccable throughout our entire meal. Bibou is the perfect spot for a special occasion, or simply a really great French meal.

Bibou

1009 South 8th St.

Philadelphia PA, 19147

tel 215 965 8290