Alright, people: it's time to debunk the stereotype that traditional South Street cuisine is just pizza and cheesesteaks. On the corner of Second and South, Bridget Foy's has been catering to its patrons for 25 years, serving up an eclectic menu of seafood, sandwiches and standard American fare with a bit of Creole and Asian flair.
Entering Bridget Foy's, one can either head for the bar on the left or take a right for the dining room. My guest and I were seated in a booth in the latter, where the red and brown decor -- with smoky mirrors, vintage light fixtures, wood paneling and candles -- evoked a sort of homey upscale tavern feeling. French doors looked out onto an outdoor seating patio, which in warmer months would be an ideal people-watching locale.
Hungry as we were, it took some time to make a selection from all the enticing menu options, which emphasize seafood and meats. In the meantime, we sipped our cocktails (the raspberry Bellini -- $7 -- with fresh fruit puree was particularly refreshing) and snacked on fresh rolls with scallion-infused oil.
After finally making our decisions, my companion and I were pleased with our appetizer selections. The vegetable quesadilla ($6) was big enough to be an entree, and smoked gouda gave it a unique twist. Even more impressive was the night's special appetizer, scallops with a vegetable risotto in a coconut curry sauce ($10). The presentation was beautiful, and the sauce the perfect complement. Afterwards, we shared the restaurant's signature Alexander Valley salad ($8). While the lemon-tahini dressing and feta made it a bit too salty, the shaved lettuce was an interesting textural change.
The entrees were by far the most impressive part of the meal. At our waiter Antonio's suggestion, my guest opted for the Jambalaya fettuccine ($19) over the Chimichurri steak frites ($15). The huge portion of pasta arrived steaming hot and loaded with chicken, chorizo sausage and crawfish tails in a spicy New Orleans-style sauce. My sesame-crusted Ahi tuna ($16) was almost too pretty to eat. The enormous piece of fish arrived covered in black sesame seeds and a sweet orange-plum glaze. Seared to perfection, it was accompanied by jasmine rice, bok choy and a wasabi aioli. Our courses came out at a pace that was prompt, but not rushed, and the staff was extremely attentive and helpful throughout.
Although we were full, one look at the dessert tray re-awakened our appetites. The apple tart with vanilla ice cream ($7) was a bit too generic, but tasty nonetheless. The real treat was the molten chocolate cake ($7), with a warm, gooey liquid center that arrived piping hot. Both desserts arrived on plates rimmed with chocolate and raspberry coulees which were both decorative and delicious.
Though a meal here may not be as cheap as a cheesesteak, you certainly get your money's worth. We left with full stomachs and leftovers too. Bridget Foy's is open for lunch, dinner, brunch, take-out and late-night dining, so carve out whatever chunk of time is convenient for you, get out of the Penn bubble and try a new-old favorite of South Street.
