Finding Philly

The distance between Matt’s place and 23rd and Lombard is quite a hike (especially in this ongoing winter weather). But I only had one thing on my mind when i woke up on my day off. Cafe Lutecia!

So i dragged myself and matt out of bed and we made the trek over to the other side of town. The cafe -owned and operated by a french woman and her husband- has been a little slice of france in philly for over 15 years. It’s cozy, friendly. You should go.

One of my favorite things on the menu is the tomato bisque($5.00). I love her bisque, it’s creamy, complex and a little spicy. Tomato Bisque is not listed on the menu but it is almost always the soup du jour. Occasionally, it is to hot for soup and when this happens my old standby is the Alesia sandwich. Served on french bread it is a glorious combination of goat cheese, tomatoes, olives, pine nuts and fresh basil. ($8.00). Last but not least, if you happen to find yourself eating a Croque-Monsieur you are the winner!

The typical french sandwich is prepared slightly differently here. Ham and Cheese on white bread bathed in bechamel (wikipedia) and topped with gruyere cheese and baked in a crock. No doubt this is the best croque-monsieur you will find in philly. (Only $7.50) So good! I swear.