Philly Dining – LAS BUGAMBILIAS

We were heading to South Street Diner when I noticed Las Bugambilias (148 South Street) not sure why it never caught my eye before as I normally pay attention to all the dining spots in and around Headhouse Square.

I plan on coming back to this romantic little brick-walled Mexican Cantina (hopefully with a date) as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, my friend Di and I were really only looking for a quick bite, as earlier we consumed a big brunch (see Hawthornes post) and were tired after shopping and a movie (See The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye post), so she ordered a salad and I had soup.

The restaurant is owned by a married couple Michelle Zimmerman and Carlos Molina. Molina was a former chef at David Suro’s Tequilas, and Zimmerman worked in the kitchen.

They must work very hard as Las Bugambilias has an extensive menu (not available online) from Buenos Dias (Mexican breakfasts) to incredible salads like Ensalada de Noples: chopped Mexican cactus leaves, marinated in lime and vinegar served w/ avocado, onions, tomato, Serrano chiles, queso fresco, coriander and shrimp tossed with a vinaigreta.  By the way, cactus leaves have excellent texture, a cross btw a green bean and a roasted pepper.

To several Pescados (fish dishes) like: Chalupa Veracruz: Grouper filet, jumbo lump crabmeat, shrimp, and mussels in a salsa de chile Guajillo with mixed bell peppers, capes, celery and water crest served in a giant chalupa

And many Aves (poultry dishes), an assortment of Las Enchiladas, plenty of Carne – (beef dishes). In fact, when I return I’d like to order the Filete Toluca: Grilled Filet Mignon served atop a corn tortilla covered in a black bean puree with chorizo de Toluca and noplales, served in a salsa de chipotle.

Vegetariano meals and much more!

Here’s the soup I ordered:

Sopa Tampico: Chile ancho (dried, smoked poblano), chipotle, tomato-seafood base with diced carrots, celery, leeks, shrimp, crabmeat and grouper – 3 Tines

What’s Pleasing about Las Bugambilias: Reasonable prices and they don’t close between lunch and dinner.

What’s Not so Pleasing about Las Bugambilias: Can’t find a website. The above restaurant link takes you to a blog post by Foodaphilia posted in May of 08.

Rating System:
* Excellent – 4 Tines / * Great – 3 Tines / * Good – 2 Tines / * Fair – 1 Tine / * Poor – Tarnished