Friday, July 4, 2008

Crackberry Friday: Patriotism in a Surprising Way

Double click to see in the best way. Merci.

Yes, I know what you are thinking. How could you post about the French today!?

Well, because if it wasn't for them we'd all be speaking English... wait, bad example

Ok, we'd be beholden to a monarchy, still not the best example...ummm

Anyway, there are plenty of reasons to be glad today that we did come out on top during the Revolutionary War. As much as there are things we may not like about the way our country is run, at least we are allowed to say so. So even if you are not crazy about the French, don't pigeon-hole them all and remember, essentially, we are part of the reason that Marie and Louis went to the guillotine (them giving us all that money and armed forces during the war and all, helping their country into bankruptcy and BTW MA did not say that thing about cake).

Anyway, this is The French Bakery. It is not a bakery really although they do have baked good there (almond croissants...mmmmmm). It is a little place in Chestnut Hill that Peter and I used to go on a weekly basis. They serve the same things year after year. It is EXACTLY what you would expect a tiny neighborhood bistro in France to be. Paul and Marianne have been running it for over 20 years. They always sit down with us between customers, trade gossip or talk about what they have been up to. We had them to our New Years Eve Party one year. They were the oldest people by about 20 years but they seemed to have a great time.

I think there are many things in there that have not been touched in over 20 years and that is part of the charm. In 1995 they were named Top Minuscule Eatery in Philadelphia magazine. Today I had "George's Special" which is only special because they only serve it during the summer. It is a shallow bowl filled with gazpacho and a scoop of crab salad in the center, served with slices of cornbread. P had quiche Lorraine, gazpacho and a salad. We are now home and I need a nap from my lovely brunch. Enjoy your 4th!

15 comments:

Suburbia said...

Sounds delicious, I wish we had a holiday too!

Candid Carrie said...

I never meant to learn anything today, uh thanks for teaching me something yet again. I love the looks of the building and I would like to steal those two words "french bakery" because they look so good hanging there that I must have them for my very own.

Lula! said...

Your lunch sounds fabulous...I'm eating vicariously through you.

Happy Independence Day!

Lindsay said...

Very neat picture! It looks like the shop in "Chocolat".

Happy 4th!

BS5 Blogger said...

I'd sooner have King George than President George! Have a good 4th of July!

KimmyJ said...

Sounds like my kinda place, now move over and let me sit down. :)

ShelbyAnne said...

Aww I love it, it looks sweet. Yay Happy Birthday America!

Los said...

I like that one restaurant in Chestnut Hill that serves the "Schmitter." You can get this sandwich at a Phillies game, but it is nowhere near as good as at the restaurant ...

stephanie said...

Nice review, so apropos with my frantic post about getting ready to visit Paris next month...

And you are so le right about how we should be more appreciative of the French and their generosity to our young country.

Happy independence!

Anonymous said...

Sounds delightful :)

Snooty Primadona said...

oh Yeah! I'll take Gazpacho with crab any old time.

By the way, you have an award waiting for you over @ my place, so drop by & pick it up sometime.

Tiffany said...

I love it! And, I love that you know your history!

Mom2FiveBratz said...

I love your photo postings. Its like seeing the world, without ever moving from my desk.

Jen said...

Oh, I would love to live close to a French bakery. I can smell the baked goods now.

KathyLikesPink said...

It looks so charming! I couldn't resist going in.

I was surprised that you could order lunch items - all the better!