THE PLACE: We discovered this cute corner neighborhood spot on our recent visit to Philly. El Chignon is in the hip, lively neighborhood of Passyunk Square, world’s away from the hubbub of Center City and Independence Hall. Vibrantly colorful and casual, this was a great weekend brunch spot that made us feel like we were locals.
THE MENU: The brunch menu was a mix of traditional tacos, cemitas, and aguachiles, along with Mexican-influenced omelettes and French toasts. After a bowl of creamy guacamole, we had some fantastic pastor tacos, grilled elote, and a wonderful spiced mushroom cemita.
THE DISH: I knew I’d be bringing home memories of cheesesteaks and pretzels (stay tuned), but I didn’t realize how rich the Mexican cuisine culture is in the City of Brotherly Love. Amazingly, this Warm Crab Tostada was the best thing I ate on our few days in Philly. A crunchy tortilla held up a creamy salad of smoked blue crab spiked with tangy dijon and bits of chiltepin peppers. Kissed with smoke and laced with citrusy notes of the sea, this was one spectacular hefty dish. Almost worth the trip to Philly alone! Price: $18
| EL CHINGON |
| 1524 South 10th Street (at Cross Street) Passyunk Square Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (267) 239-2131 |
| elchingonphilly.com |
