Fayette Street Grille-Conshohocken, PA

Fayette Street Grille is a prix fixe BYO bistro in downtown Conshohocken.  After our first visit in winter 2012 I was simply hooked.  For $35 (now $37) you choose an appetizer, main course and dessert.  The menu offers a wide variety of options of no particular theme or nationality.  The escargot on the first trip was our first taste and it was (surprisingly) prepared impeccably.  It made me a believer; not only was the menu affordable but it was artfully crafted and creative.

Jump ahead almost 3 years to the return.  We presented on a Saturday night.  The menu did not change much but there were modification and specials available.  The atmosphere was bright, welcoming but the place was packed.  One very noticeable disadvantage of the restaurant was the level of noise which made conversations slight shouting matches.  The staff was friendly and helpful.

We started off with a couple appetizers:  sage and butternut squash risotto and  southwest crab and bean soup with cilantro aioli.  The soup was savory with a little heat.  Most of the flavor was from the broth and beans, leaving the crab mostly for texture.  The sage and butternut squash risotto hit a good spot. Simple and surprisingly light, the creaminess was subtle while the butternut squash added a little sweetness. The cheese was just the right amount, but the sage could have had a little more added.

Southwest crab and bean soup with cilantro aioli

Sage and butternut squash risotto

As for the main course, Cassie selected shrimp, tasso and pasta. Based in a light creamy cajun sauce, the shrimp was well done with mild seasoning and the tasso (ham) added a nice heartiness to the dish. The spinach was on the lighter side (although I am a huge fan of spinach so I am biased), but the diced tomatoes were plenty and appropriately matched in the dish.   I opted to live dangerously with the pan seared breast of duckling.  The meat was medium rare with cranberry demi-glaze.  It was tasty but a bit of a competition between the fat and the table knife that was not sharp enough to easily slice through.  Sweet potato mouse provided a sugary complement.

Seared breast of duckling, sweet potato mousse, charred endive

Ah yes, dessert.  FSG has a nice selection of desserts ranging from Mango ice cream to St. Louis butter cake (don't ask me what that is).  We opted to finish out our meals with peanut butter creme brulee and apple tart.  The creme brulee was lighter than expected but in a good way.  It was not just whipped peanut butter.  In the apple tart, the crust was more sugary than buttery (which is always a good thing) and the apple was extremely tender and light. The ice cream was a traditional vanilla with caramel sauce. I feel like the salted caramel ice cream would have spiced the dish up and given it more oomph.

FSG is a solid suburban BYO.  Even though our second visit was not as memorable, our overall experience was still positive.  This is a perfect restaurant to experience a meal with friends but not the ideal place for a quiet romantic dinner.