So we thought we would start the New Year off right by not only reviewing local businesses, but to feature a different neighborhood each month of 2011. First stop? FISHTOWN. We just recently got the chance to check out Brindle Cafe, which is located on at 221 E. Girard Ave. It had just snowed the day before, and it was a blustery day - we thought we'd drop in, talk to the owner and get a cup o'joe, boy were we pleasantly surprised when we found their awesome menu of sandwiches and salads!
It's taken six months, but Brindle Cafe is up and running. The Cafe has a laid back, fresh and modern atmosphere. There is a lot of great light from the two huge windows, (it's a corner lot.) Chocolate brown counters span the length of the windows and small tables with inviting succulents planted in small charcoal colored pots adorn each table and make you feel at home. There is a large chalkboard on one wall that states the day’s specials. And the food case under the register is filled with locally baked desserts enticing you to try them all.
Owner: Scott Forman was behind the counter making everything himself, and we got the opportunity to chat it up a bit about what he loves about local businesses, and what he foresees in the future for Brindle. He too like the YoCos appreciates the time and effort local businesses take to provide food that is obtained locally and is organic, unique - and tastes good! He knows that even if the menu isn't huge, just having a few fantastic items makes the public come back again and again. What was the inspiration for the name? That's easy - Scott and his wife own two brindle colored dogs: Kayla and Gracie. Scott is from Philly, and has had the opportunity to live in South Philly, Old City and NoLibs before settling down and buying a house in Fishtown.
We tried the Grilled Cheese and the Hummus & Roasted Pepper sandwiches, and we cannot wait to go back! The Grilled Cheese was oozing with cheddar and mozzarella and came with a pickle to enhance the sandwiches gooey deliciousness. How was the Hummus & Roasted Pepper sandwich? Well we are big fans of hummus and have only found a few places that make it to our standards, so we had to try it. Upon receiving the sandwich are usual first impulse is to eat the pickle, I don't know why, but it was a good pickle. Then after examining the sandwich, it was time to go all in. The first bite was the crunch of the fresh French bread followed by the sweetness of the red pepper and the smooth creaminess of the hummus. A good first start, but it wasn't until the third or fourth bite where our senses got the full effect of the sandwich. The combination of hummus, red peppers and onion we are accustomed to seamlessly melt with the harissa/goat cheese and prosciutto. These last two ingredients were the perfect accompaniment. It was a great combination of textures, and flavors of salty, sweet, smooth and crunchy. It’s hard for us to think of a better mix of flavors in a sandwich.
Right now Scott is a one-man show, what does he see for the future of Brindle? He hopes there is a Brindle in every neighborhood of Philly, and that each individual Cafe has it's own menu which would reflect what is available locally throughout the seasons in that area - making each a destination for the locals and non-locals alike. His passion for the neighborhood and local businesses shine through his heart and soul that has been put into the Cafe we all gathered at that afternoon.
We wrapped up our visit with a piece of Orange Ricotta Cheesecake, that contained just the right amount of orange flavor that makes us want to eat it all day everyday!! That paired with a cup of Nor-easter Blend Coffee, a dark roast with spice and dark cocoa was quite nice, to warm us up from the cold afternoon. $2.50 one size cup fits all, and a $2.00 iced tea is not too shabby for the penny pinchers pocket book.
We definitely recommend Brindle Cafe as a place to check out! And we look forward to menu items and events to come at this great neighborhood establishment!!
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