The Place
This month I am reviewing brunch and breakfast spots within the historic Findlay Market. I am proud to say The French Crust Cafe and Bistro is the first review of this blog. This is one of several Cincinnati restaurants started by the renowned chef Jean-Robert de Cavel and I am pleased to see his legacy living on in the city.
Location and Parking
The bistro is located on the corner of Elm and Elder Street. I arrived about 15 minutes early for a reservation at 10AM with one of my best friends. Parking was convenient at the new Findlay garage on the corner of Elder and Central Parkway. This is now my go to parking spot when visiting Findlay. Plenty of other options for parking as well.
Atmosphere
The restaurant does not open on Sunday
until 10AM and I, along with five other
other patrons who arrived early, were waiting under the covered entrance due to the cold rainy morning. The hostess and wait staff graciously opened the door and sat us ten minutes early which was a classy move on their part. I had previously been to this restaurant about a year ago and was excited to come back again. I was pleased to be greeted by a smiling polite waiter with a drink menu. I went ahead and ordered a mimosa, which is always a great distraction when waiting for the rest of your party to join. The atmosphere embodies an old world décor which is pleasant and lovely, making you feel as if you have been teleported to France for the morning. Once my friend arrived she joined
me for a mimosa as well.
Order-Up
Puff Pastry with Goetta
Being a native to the area, I find it hard to pass up the opportunity for goetta. With this being said, I ordered the Puff Pastry with Goetta which was topped with a poached egg and hollandaise. The dish was both unique and delicious, combining a Cincinnati local fave with the french refinery of puff pastry. I ordered a side of fruit with my meal which was the perfect compliment.
Quiche Du Jour
My friend ordered the Quiche Du Jour which included the traditional quiche elements eloquently combined with gruyere, bacon, leeks, and peppers. The combination of flavors made for a brunch option that was both rich and savory. This dish was accompanied by a side of greens providing additional flavor, texture, and color.
Overall Experience
Everything about The French Crust Cafe' and Bistro was on point from the moment I arrived in front of the restaurant to saying goodbye to my friend. The staff was professional, service was prompt, and they gained major points for seating patrons early. Atmosphere was laid back, casual, and conducive to conversation with décor that complimented the overall feel of the restaurant. The mimosa pour was generous with the right champagne to orange juice ratio making you feel nice and toasty. Cuisine was prepared to perfection and portion sizes were generous. Menu items range from three to eighteen dollars making it possible to have a satsifying brunch for ten to twenty dollars.
Recommend: Yes or No?
Yes! I would feel comfortable recommending this restaurant to anyone anytime. This would be a great locale to bring out-of-town guests to because of it's uniqueness, or for just catching up with someone you have not seen in a while. I have been to this restaurant twice now and do not have one bad thing to say regarding either experience. My only regret is not getting an authentic French pastry to go!
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