Carmine's Creole Cafe

I'm a hard one to please. I can cook and cook well. I have little time for pretentious dining and less for the trendy nothingness so typical of the Main Line. Pleasant surroundings. They still have the orginal tin ceiling. There's bar with a TV ( the TV I could do without). They also have music on certain nights - fine for some, not my thing. Very casual. The menu is simple. Appetizers run around $8, main courses around $23. Service is on the casual side - something else I'm not found of. I don't like when the just throw a soup spoon on the table. Still, service was good. Ceviche was on the appetizer list . Ordered it while we discussed and decided the menu. The server brought it immediately. The ceviche was terrific - clean delicate fish in a wonderful arrangement of slight greens. One order is easily good for four people to share. Soup next. The gumbo, (cup size is actually in bowl and certainly sufficient), was the best I have had outside the Gullah Islands of South Carolina. (It's spicey.) The crab bisque was wonderfully light and a perfect start for those who are not inclined to spicy foods. The Entrees were exceptional. Now, of course we shared. Blackened bass and crab on sweet potatoes with almond. Was this a taste of heaven? The delicacy of the fish, the delight of the crab and the sweenees of the almond. Perfect. Pork cutlet on greens. Now, while this was certainly very good - also a bit spicey. The corn cake was a delicate delight. But the pork is the type of thing for those who like meat on the bone. For me, that's not why I go to a restaurant. Now - the entry into paradise; the Scallops on truffled shrimp. Four seared scallops set upon four small shrip cakes, surrounded by a bed of black eyed beans , andouille and the most delicatable sauce. You need to eat a small bit of each with every bite. The flavours are subtle, yet spicey, yet distinct. Simply one of the best dishes I have ever enjoyed. Best bet. Pros: excellent menu, wonderfully prepared Cons: good service but a little too casual more

"We're known for this" is what the cute little hostess said to us. We were hoping it referred to the food, but instead it was the hour and a half wait. A total disaster from top to bottom, the place has no management and a haggard staff of children wearing red tank tops and cheap ties from TJ Maxx. Rotten. We made a reservation a month in advance, they called to confirm and we were all set... to wait, and wait some more at the corner bar, which was the high point of the night. The 7 of us ended up eating at the kickass Sampan Inn across the street and crankcalled the "Cafe" relentlessly for 2 hours in our form of protest for such a heinous experience. I encourage everyone to follow our lead. That means you Mr and Mrs Chase. Cons: , red tank tops, horrible staff more

On a quiet neighborhood shopping street in Havertown is a great BYOB restaurant called Carmine's Cafe & Deli. Forget the deli part that is long gone, what remains is a great restaurant serving freshly made New Orleans style food at prices far less than center city Philadelphia. There are usually two or three specials, very often duck, lamb or seafood. The owner/chef John Mims is trying to keep Carmine's small enough to be able cook and to greet his customers personally in a style that makes everyone feel welcome. His servers are all knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. Reservations are a must on weekends. We try to arrive early 5:30 or 6:00 PM and usually get seated immediately. When you leave take a desset home with you to add to this wonderful dining experience. Pros: BYOB, Resevations required, Great desserts & coff Cons: Too crowded on weeken more