We're FANCY and FUN. Le Bec-Fin said so.

We keep saying how it's ridiculous how well we've been eating. I mean, it's really quite absurd. When your weekend recap includes dining at a renowned French restaurant that is a Philadelphia institution, repeat visits to a gastro-pub that is arguably the best in town, as well as dinner and drinks at a suburban beer oasis, you know you're living a GOOD FOOD life. First, the fancypants French recap!

FRIDAY
Le Bec-Fin. 6pm Dinner. 40th anniversary special dinner that we read about on uwishunu.com.
J. Gigs had read about this special a few weeks ago and we knew we had to go. I mean, how often would one be presented with the opportunity to dine at Le Bec-Fin for $40/person? We made reservations immediately, and two days later, we heard the very sad news that Le Bec-Fin would be closing this year. I would imagine reservation slots have filled up quickly since the announcement of its closing, so I would say book something soon....

:: Le Bec-Fin ::
address: 1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
what we ate: $40 pre-fixe

The special includes 4-courses: Starter, Entree, Cheese, Dessert. Ah, love the french.

• Starters: Grilled Octopus with Chorizo puree, Tomato & Watermelon Salad, Chilled Pea Soup 
• Entrees: Stuffed Quail, Poached Salmon, Flat Iron Steak
• Cheese: chef selection with bread and fruit
• Dessert: choice of 2 selections off of the dessert cart

Le Bec-Fin also had a special wine selection to anniversary diners; you could choose from 4-5 wines that were all priced at $40. All in all, an incredible deal, no? 

To start the meal, complimentary amuse bouche.

The grilled octopus with chorizo puree and hot chorizo oil was really tasty. Perfectly cooked octopus and the chorizo oil had a nice spicy kick to it. 

Chilled Pea Soup w/almond sorbet was most certainly an interesting dish. We weren't sure if we'd like it, but with no question, we had to try it. The almond flavors worked really well with the pea soup and it was a refreshing starter. 

The Stuffed Quail was in the most delicious sauce, with creamy beans and savory vegetables. I'm not really sure what the bird was stuffed with, but it had the texture and flavor like meatloaf (I know this sounds weird, but it soooooo wasn't), and was the best part of the meal, for me.   

As expected, the Flat Iron steak was cooked exactly as requested. The medium-rare meat was tender and flavorful, but the puree and the gravy that accompanied it was even more memorable. Seriously, we had to restrain ourselves from sopping it up with extra bread....  

What could I really say about the cheese course, other than WHOOOHOOO. Everyone should really include a cheese course in their meals. Friday night's selection was an Italian sheep's milk cheese. YUM.

Being the bad flood blogger that I am, I don't remember the names of any of these desserts, but rest assured, you will be able to find something you like. The Dessert Cart had over 10 different varieties of cakes, and even some poached fruit options. It really lives up to its reputation and unbelievably, you get to select 2 different desserts EACH! And if that wasn't enough, you still get the complimentary plate of cookies. 

Overall, the food lived up to its reputation, the service was impeccable, and the dessert cart really is as good as they say, but ultimately, it was OK. I mean, the best part of the meal was the fact that we were dining in Le Bec-Fin... but for $40, I can think of at least 4 other restaurants with a fantastic pre-fixe that is much more exciting, innovative and droolworthy. Still, discover the history and experience that is Le Bec-Fin before they close their doors forever.