Spring Break
La bonne nourriture Tropezienne
Atmosphere no longer merely complex gases; French tchotchkes unbreathable but enjoyable
Kat Sacks
Issue date: 10/29/04 Section: Entertainment
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Atmosphere can often go a long way. Somehow, a vacation is much better in a nice hotel room and a party is much more exciting with decorations. Bistro St. Tropez, located high up in the Marketplace Design Center at 2400 Market Street certainly has atmosphere. With an excellent view of the Schuylkill River and a decidedly French décor of art nouveau prints along warm yellow walls, Bistro St. Tropez sets the mood for the Provencal cuisine it serves.
On a busy night, Bistro St. Tropez carries an air of excitement. Waiters scurry around the two seating areas bringing patrons drinks from the bar or a mixture of breads served with salty pesto oil. In the background, the music of French guitarist Django Reinhardt plays softly as the bistro's extensive menu of traditional food Southern French food is served.
The Caesar salad ($4.95) of fresh romaine lettuce and herbed croutons was tossed in a freshly made dressing with a strong anchovy flavor that needed a touch more lemon. The bistro's calamari ($8.95) is grilled and served in a tomato and feta salad with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Grilling the calamari gives it a heartier taste and the tangy vinaigrette complimented both the squid and the warmed goat cheese. The duck confit ($7.95) is served with an array of roasted vegetables and feta cheese. The meat was flavorful and extremely tender, pulling right off the bone.
The coriander dusted duck breast ($22.95) was served with leeks, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and pineapple chutney. The tender and juicy meat was only enhanced by the rich sauce, making the entrée a wonderful choice. The striped bass ($21.95) was served with a potato, goat cheese, olive crust and a mixture of escarole, French lentils and tomato caper coulis. The salty slices of potato and creamy goat cheese helped to develop the flavor of the light, flaky fish, although the kalamata olive spread was overpowering.
The traditional Tarte Tatin Bistro St. Tropez served was a fitting way to end a typical French meal. The apple tarte, served with a crispy crust on the bottom and the buttery caramelized apples on the top, was warm and rich.
The multi-colored lights hung throughout the dining room of Bistro St. Tropez shine down on patrons at night and the warm yellow walls brighten the mood of daytime diners. A fine rendition of Provencal food is served to the sounds of French music and a brilliant view of the city. Although atmosphere isn't everything, when it is coupled with good food and service, it certainly makes the experience better. With reasonable prices and notable food, Bistro St. Tropez is a nice choice for a night full of atmosphere.
On a busy night, Bistro St. Tropez carries an air of excitement. Waiters scurry around the two seating areas bringing patrons drinks from the bar or a mixture of breads served with salty pesto oil. In the background, the music of French guitarist Django Reinhardt plays softly as the bistro's extensive menu of traditional food Southern French food is served.
The Caesar salad ($4.95) of fresh romaine lettuce and herbed croutons was tossed in a freshly made dressing with a strong anchovy flavor that needed a touch more lemon. The bistro's calamari ($8.95) is grilled and served in a tomato and feta salad with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Grilling the calamari gives it a heartier taste and the tangy vinaigrette complimented both the squid and the warmed goat cheese. The duck confit ($7.95) is served with an array of roasted vegetables and feta cheese. The meat was flavorful and extremely tender, pulling right off the bone.
 Media Credit: Kat Sacks This place has more atmosphere than you can handle. Neon lights, French décor, and if you notice, 30th St. Station outside the window. |
The coriander dusted duck breast ($22.95) was served with leeks, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and pineapple chutney. The tender and juicy meat was only enhanced by the rich sauce, making the entrée a wonderful choice. The striped bass ($21.95) was served with a potato, goat cheese, olive crust and a mixture of escarole, French lentils and tomato caper coulis. The salty slices of potato and creamy goat cheese helped to develop the flavor of the light, flaky fish, although the kalamata olive spread was overpowering.
The traditional Tarte Tatin Bistro St. Tropez served was a fitting way to end a typical French meal. The apple tarte, served with a crispy crust on the bottom and the buttery caramelized apples on the top, was warm and rich.
The multi-colored lights hung throughout the dining room of Bistro St. Tropez shine down on patrons at night and the warm yellow walls brighten the mood of daytime diners. A fine rendition of Provencal food is served to the sounds of French music and a brilliant view of the city. Although atmosphere isn't everything, when it is coupled with good food and service, it certainly makes the experience better. With reasonable prices and notable food, Bistro St. Tropez is a nice choice for a night full of atmosphere.
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