Mussels and Frites at Nodding Head
I picked Nodding Head for a lunch with several co-workers because there are enough things on the menu that everyone could pick something they wanted. But since I hadn’t actually tried their food, I couldn’t vouch for their quality. I am impressed by the fact that they brew their own beer, but do they put as much effort into the food?
Like all good brew pubs in Philly, Nodding Head does pots of mussels. A half pot ($9.95) is a pretty good size for lunch, especially with the frites that come with it. I normally like a classic French preparation with wine and shallots for my mussels, but I do that at home. So I tried something different, the Moroccan, with cinnamon and garlic honey. The mussels themselves weren’t exceptionally big and sweet, which would be my ideal, but they were of good enough quality and I didn’t have a single closed or broken one in my pot. The Moroccan spicing was an interesting alternative to what I am accustomed to, I did like it, but I think I would stick to the classical preparation next time.
The frites and their spicy mayo dip hit the spot. At first, just my mussels were put down in front of me and I pouted to myself. A side of frites are pretty much essential when ordering a pot of mussels. Thankfully they arrived shortly after and I was able to dip the crap out of those frites. Plus I used the roll to soak up the broth in my mussel pot.
A coworkers quiche with bacon and boursin was finished in under 2 minutes. He reported it was delicious. But for almost $9 for some egg, they should make it a big enough portion so that you are not staring at empty plate even before the waiter walks away from your table.
In fact, the sandwiches looked more substantial, like the rasta man that comes with plantains on top.
I need to mention the fact that the food took a really, really long time to get to us. And it wasn’t even crowded when they were there. I was famished by the time my plate got to me. So use that information as you wish.
THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)
- I am with a group of people and we all want different things
- Spicy mayo and fries is ALWAYS good
THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)
- You might starting eating your arm while waiting for your food
- Prices a little high for some of what you get
Nodding Head, 1516 Sansom (@ 15th St), 215-569-9525
Posted by Jamie at 9:42 am, June 30th, 2011 under Beer with Lunch, sandwiches, seafood, sit-down.
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2 Comments
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For bar food, I think Nodding head is one of the best in the Rittenhouse area but their service does always seem slow. My favorite things on the menu are the super tender, fall off the bone good, baby back ribs and the muffaletta sandwich.
Oysters, mussels… you need to give me a tutorial on shellfish at some point!
I, too, am a purist where bivalves are concerned, preferring steamed or minimally-seasoned varietals. However, I do have a penchant for the selection at Monk’s/Belgian Cafe’s… despite the fact that the shells are almost always broken (seriously, why is that?).