My friends Scott and Deepti have been talking about opening a cafe for a while now and I'm really excited to say that they've finally done it! Brindle Cafe officially opened last Tuesday! Scott has worked in the industry for fifteen years at restaurants such as Swanky Bubbles, Roy's and Cafe Spice so he is very familiar with what it takes to run a restaurant. With his experience and Deepti's background in business - they make the perfect team. Brindle is located in Fishtown on the corner of Girard Ave. and Day St., a quick walk from the Girard Ave. subway stop. The name "Brindle" was inspired by their two adorable brindle pit bulls (pictured in Brindle's logo, which was designed by moi), Kayla and Gracie, that they adopted a few years ago.
I was finally able to stop by this weekend to check it out and I can't wait to go back! They're definitely more than just a coffee shop - although they do have a great selection of coffees and teas (I had a Thai tea that was very tasty) as well as your typical coffee shop food such as bagels and assorted baked goods from local bakeries. But what really stood out was the food that they make in house that's listed on their "special menu". They offer three different salads, three types of sandwiches, spicy chilli and mashed potatoes. Deepti and Scott are definitley foodies and I have been over their house for dinner numerous times - so I know firsthand that they can not only appreciate good food but they also know how to make good food. And my meal at Brindle did not disappoint. I ordered the slow cooked beef sandwich which was cooked in a dutch oven with roasted Paquillo peppers, garlic and cardamom. It was topped with mozzarella and white horeseradish and served on crustry bread from Metropolitan Bakery. DELICIOUS. I will definitely be going back for that again. And also the slow roasted pork sandwich which has honey, provolone, roasted garlic and a hot cherry pepper. Oh - and the Thai Beef Salad (which can be a shrimp salad if you'd rather) also sounds amazing. The beef (or shrimp) is tossed with scallions, tomato, cuke, white onion, celery, coriander and dressed in a combination of chilli pepper, garlic and lime juice. Doesn't that sound so good? Can't wait to try it!!
They still have a few things left to do to the space - they are in the process of getting some more loungey furniture and tables and chairs, but I think the counter by the front window is the best spot to sit. There's a window ledge that you can prop your feet on and its perfect for people watching - and you certainly see a lot of characters walking along Girard Ave! Doesn't it also look romantic at night? They have a wall of lanterns that cast a nice glow to the space.
So, if you live in the area and are looking for a new place to get some coffee or a bite to eat (and feel free to BYOB - the candlelight makes it a cozy spot to have a little dinner date!), give Brindle a try!!
