I had the best of intentions going into this one. Nibble on an appetizer or two and then get either fish or maybe a salad. Take half home.
It was a nice thought while it lasted, which wasn’t very long. Once owner Brendan McGrew sat down with us to chat about his time at the restaurant and all his favorite things on the menu, my good intentions flew right out the window. What can I say, I love food, and Bourbon Blue did not disappoint.
Brendan started in the kitchen when the restaurant opened in 2002, worked his way up the ladder, and then decided to purchase the restaurant five years ago. Since that time he has been constantly working to keep things evolving to meet the ever changing market needs: adding a deck, modifying the menu, adding theme nights and other programming, planning parties and generally immersing himself in the day to day workings of the business. But most importantly, he and his staff have been making truly great food. His passion and dedication – to both his restaurant and to Manayunk generally -- show as this is one of Manayunk’s top spots for dining and drinks.
At Brendan’s suggestion, we decided to begin with a selection of several appetizers, starting with the pickle chips and house made ranch dressing. If you even think you like pickles, the word “WOW” does not do this dish justice. According to Brendan it took several iterations to perfect this dish. Believe me when I tell you that they have perfected it. Thin (but not too thin) slices of pickle, perfectly crispy and flaky outside and tangy inside. This is where my intentions failed me. I planned for a couple and ate every last one. I just couldn't help myself.
Based on novelty alone, how could we say no to the alligator quesadilla? I have to imagine there are very few places in Philadelphia (or north of the Mason Dixon line, come to think of it) with actual house made alligator sausage. Yes, you read that correctly: Alligator sausage. Even if you are skeptical about the idea of eating gator, I highly recommend trying this dish. The novelty was quickly surpassed by the flavor of this unique dish. It tasted slightly exotic (in a good way), and yet matched perfectly with the pepper jack cheese and peppers.
We also shared a bowl of the gumbo which, as you’d expect at a Cajun restaurant, was thick, incredibly rich, and delicious. But what was surprising was our final appetizer: the cheesesteak spring rolls. Admittedly, this was the one item on the menu I told myself I probably wouldn't order. They’re a staple around Philadelphia, and didn't seem like they would stand out a Cajun joint. Turns out they are actually a house specialty at Bourbon Blue, and for good reason. Thinly sliced beef, melted American cheese and proprietary seasonings, flash fried and then drained. The finished product, encased in crispy egg roll wrappers, was not even remotely soggy (a common pitfall for this particular appetizer). Sliced super thin, just the way I like it. I’ve had this dish in a lot of places made a lot of different ways, and I can tell you that Bourbon Blue’s are as good as any I’ve had and better than most. It is worth coming here just for the cheesesteak spring rolls.
At this point, remembering my former good intentions, I almost made the grave mistake of asking the server not to bring the bread. I mean, I was bordering on full already and hadn't even gotten to the main course. Fortunately, my husband -- who has never voluntarily passed on any bread product -- saved the day. The cornbread was fantastic, moist, slightly sweet, a delicate crust on the outside. But it could have been shoe leather for all cared once it was slathered in the house made Creole butter. I could only get the general manager, Steve, to disclose a few of the ingredients, but I remember molasses being one of them. He promised to tell us one ingredient in the butter for each trip back. Slightly devious, but, in our case, effective.
Believe it or not there was still more.
For my entree I had the Pan Seared Tilapia, dusted with blackening seasoning and served with a shrimp and sweet potato hash (which is rich beyond belief, and can – and should – be ordered as a side dish), topped with candied pecans and vanilla brown butter. I am really at a loss for words on this one. Sweet, salty, delicate and crunchy, this is one of those dishes you think about long after you have it. It's a tough one for me, I have it on good authority that there are other amazing things on the menu, but I would be hard pressed not to go back just for the Tilapia. It was that good.
Despite his best intentions to diversify, my husband simply cannot say no to Jambalaya at a Cajun restaurant, and Bourbon Blue was no exception. I believe his exact words were that I needed to figure out how to make jambalaya at home that tasted like this. Forget that. I think we’ll just put Bourbon Blue on the regular restaurant rotation, besides we need to go back to finish the cajun butter recipe.
Needless to say we left absolutely no room for dessert, but thankfully the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding to go held up just fine for breakfast the next morning. I can't compare since I haven't had it warm at the restaurant, but I have a feeling it might be even better the next morning with a hot cup of coffee!
I am not exaggerating when I say that each thing was better than the next. Don't get me wrong, this is not a light meal. But it is absolutely worth the calories. So much flavor and so much heart goes into each dish. Even the staff we spoke to is excited about the food.
Do not be put off if you have food aversions or allergies, or even if you aren't sure you actually like Cajun food. There are several great gluten free and vegetarian options (that are not compromising on flavor even slightly) and the kitchen is more than willing to accommodate any other needs you might have.
One of the things that really makes this restaurant stand out for me is the space. It is huge. While the dining room is not as intimate as some may prefer, it is nice to enjoy dinner without bumping elbows with the person next to you. With a long u shaped bar and several high top tables, the bar is an ideal spot for meeting after work since it can accommodate both large and small groups easily.
They also have an amazing deck (with heat lamps) overlooking the canal and a private room downstairs that can be booked for events - everything from rehearsal dinners to graduations, baptisms to holiday parties. The staff will work with you to create the party you want. Not into cajun? No problem. Brendan is game to prepare almost anything -- including house made sushi -- you might have in mind for a private party.
Bourbon Blue is ideally located right on the canal and just off Main Street. They have valet parking for a mere $10, which is the same as any of the public parking lots and totally worth the convenience.
Make sure to check out their website for weekly events: Tuesday is down home night with select entrees for only $16.95, Thursday night is Price Fixe Thursday and for $30 you can get a 3 course meal, Sunday Brunch (on the deck weather permitting) is not to be missed, and of course every weeknight night from 5-7 is happy hour, anywhere in the restaurant- with half price snacks, $3 mixed doubles, and $3 beers, you really can't go wrong!