Overtures
609 E. Passyunk Ave.
(215) 627-3455
Tucked away in a corner adjacent to busy South Street, Overtures is a quiet and elegant dining experience. Peter Lamlein, the chef and proprietor of this small BYO, warmly welcomed me and my date. He immediately made us feel at home, chatting for a while before heading back to the kitchen. Under the candlelight we perused the five-course, fixed-price menu. It's pricey at $50 a head, but it offers an extensive and varied selection of Lamlein's favorite creations.
Lamlein's simple yet flavorsome food highlights traditional dishes straight out of a Parisian bistro. Starting with the Blue Point crab cake and ragout of wild mushrooms, my guest Liz and I couldn't stop stealing bites off of each other's plates. Liz's chunky crab cake, completely free of breading, was presented beautifully on top of a lobster bisque that she described as "melting delightfully in my mouth."
Liz ordered filet mignon on pinot noir sauce for her entre‚, cooked to a perfect pink, while I chose the tuna steak seared with red wine. Both meals were garnished with a side of steamy potato gratin, green beans and corn. Despite being tempted by the fresh rhubarb pie, we ordered the opera cake and white chocolate cheesecake to complete an already flawless meal.
Having had my fair share of gourmet dishes while I studied abroad in Paris, I admit that of its Philadelphia peers, Overtures comes the closest to providing an authentic French experience. Lamlein moved from table to table throughout the course of the evening, joking and chatting with the regulars. Lamlein's attention to detail produces quality dishes, and his charm and personality complete the experience. Given the romantic ambiance, Overtures is an ideal date restaurant, suitable for an anniversary or a 21st birthday more so than a Saturday night out with the girls. The key to a perfect prix fixe experience? In the words of Chef Peter: "Don't forget to bring wine"
