Center City wine and tapas bar Tria has been teasing us since last semester with promises of its “cooler younger cousin” Biba coming to our ‘hood. On October 8, the little–wine–bar–that–could finally opened its doors. Biba draws inspiration from Tria’s upscale atmosphere but takes it down a few notches with a calm, warm mood and an indie soundtrack. The Left Bank's newest resident isn't huge, but the intimate space provides indoor and outdoor seating.
The wine menu offers an eclectic selection of white, red and sweet options while the bar boasts ten different beers. We tried the Blanc de Paca from Spain ($8) and Torrontose “Reserva” from Argentina ($7.50), both white wines that were crisp and sweet. The Blanc de Paca was menu–described as “refeshing as water, only better because it’s wine!” We agree. The Torrontose was more exotic with a fuller luscious body. But the standout was surprisingly a beer, the classic brew Sason Dupont ($9), a Belgian Pale Ale that was fresh with a delightful farmhouse funk. We splurged on the Belgian Funky Russian River Temptation, a staggering $18 “wild ale.” It wasn't worth its price tag but still had a pleasant fall flavor. The drink menu, though expansive, is accessible with the help of f riendly, knowledgeable and adorable bartenders.
Biba takes from Tria the excellent selection of cheeses. We tried a goat cheese, Cypress Grove ($8.50), the “stinky” cow cheese, Adrahan ($6.50) and a stoic cow cheese, Tete de Koine ($7.50). Biba added classy touches of local honeys and even indulgent honey-dipped almonds paired with the Adrahan. But the restaurant hit a home run with the Cypress Grove. Hints of truffle transformed the thick cheese into melt–in–your–mouth goodness. Though the Tete was shaped into a flower, it was in fact prettier than it tasted, leaving more to be desired.
Other small plates grace the menu with reasonable prices appropriate for college students. The piquillo peppers ($5.50) were filled with body and a tangy flavor. Biba took a different spin on a traditional roasted beet dish ($4) and paired the vegetable with feta instead of a typical goat cheese. The two played off each other spectacularly. The prosciutto ($7.50) was spread with a date jelly that had a sweet smooth afterkick — lip–smackingly delicious.
We were hoping for dessert options to follow the meal but sadly the newborn menu had just one, yet still delicious sweet ending — smooth chocolates with orange flavoring. More to come, so they say.
Biba pulls through with stellar food and a classy yet manageable drink menu. The service runs so smoothly (no doubt they got some help from big brother, Tria) it is impossible to tell they have been open for less than a week. Though the location tucked in by the Walnut Street Bridge is not ideal, Biba seems to have found a new home in the Left Bank — and in our stomachs.
Biba
3131 Walnut St.
(215) 222-2422
Skip This: Belgian Funky Russian River Temptation
Don’t Miss: Cypress Grove Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
