Review of Townsend French Cuisine in Philadelphia

Summary: The most memorable thing was how incredibly slow the service was. Even though there were only three tables occupied in the restaurant, we still had to wait a long time for each dish. We had finished eating one course and had to wait a very long time for the next one to be served. The shrimp was so unpalatable that I wanted to take the dish to the chef to ask what was going on, but I was afraid that if I stood up, I would faint from hunger due to the slow service. In early January, I went to Townsend with my sister, which is highly recommended online. The menu recommendations included items like beef marrow, scallops, and baked snails, which really intrigued us. However, when we actually got the menu, none of these items were there. It turned out the menu had changed. So, everyone should check the restaurant’s current menu before going. Otherwise, it’s really a lesson learned from experience.😭🥹 Appetizers: 🦆 Foie Gras Mousse with Toast: Highly recommended! The foie gras mousse didn't have the usual greasiness that makes it cloying after a few bites. Paired with jam and toast, it was really delicious. This was the only highlight of the entire meal. Baked Oysters: The oysters were small, and the seasoning was quite salty. Moreover, the ingredients didn't seem very fresh. I don't understand why there were so many seafood items on the menu for this season, and the quality was poor. Main Courses: 🦐 Grilled Shrimp with Parsnips: I don't even know how to describe how bad this dish was. Fortunately, they only served one shrimp, or I wouldn't have been able to get through it. The shrimp didn't seem fresh at all, as if it had been sitting around for a long time. The sauce had a very strong, unpleasant odor. I really couldn't appreciate it. 🐟 Grilled Grouper with Italian Ravioli: It was average, but compared to the previous dish, it felt like it was saving my stomach. Dessert: 🍰 Lava Cake: A common problem with American desserts is that they are overly sweet. It looks good but is really too sweet to enjoy. Everyone can try it after the menu changes. #PhiladelphiaFood #FrenchCuisine #PhiladelphiaExploration