Open for almost eight weeks and settling nicely into a prime spot in the center of Ardmore like stew into a warm tagine—Chef Saida Davis’ new venture Firinji is serving up authentic international fare with a focus on Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Born and raised in Germany—and having traveled extensively throughout France, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China and Egypt—self-taught Saida has mastered a refined approach to creating the perfect dining experience on the Main Line by blending an inherited menu that incorporates traditional Mediterranean dishes while adding a touch of her personal flair.
Offering hearty dishes (many of which are deemed Halal), plates are authentically presented and kissed with meticulous seasoning including cinnamon, cumin, ground coriander, red pepper, turmeric and saffron. Kebabs (lamb, beef and chicken), tagines (serving 1 to 4 persons) and kumpir highlight the menu with wraps, salads and a loaded kids menu (mini-kumpir, mini-grilled cheese and mini-burrito) rounding things out.
Saida has also recently added bastilla (Moroccan pot pie) to the menu, which is a light, crispy paper-thin warqa pastry shell concealing savory saffron meat, spicy omelet stuffing, and a crunchy topping of fried almonds sweetened and flavored.
Making every attempt at keeping things organic and locally sourced, Firinji also offers a plethora of vegetarian choices, soups, healthy smoothies and an amazing “fruzi” (sherbet-like, with nothing added) in banana, mango and blueberry flavors.
Saida is looking to eventually expand the menu to showcase some of her German heritage by including sauerbraten and possibly schnitzel dishes. Light continental-style breakfasts are also in the realm of possibility down the road.
The 50-seat interior is flooded with good light from grand floor-to-ceiling windows facing Lancaster Avenue while the clay, apricot and shaded gray palette provides the perfect earthtone balance to ethnic metallic touches of Moroccan vases, urns and coffee pots. Be sure to check out the worded chalkboard and bell combo that provide some urbanized amusement. Satellite music is soft, jazzy and great for making conversation.
According to Saida, the local community is providing positive feedback to date and she is enthusiastic to be a part of Ardmore’s Restaurant Week, July 18-31, sponsored by Ardmore Initiative.
Online ordering is a snap. BYOB-friendly promises a great date night. Saida also runs her successful catering company called A Taste of Heaven as well.
Find Firinji at 54 E. Lancaster Ave., phone: (610) 658-6246.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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