Dishes as Cafe du Soleil. Courtesy photo.
By JT
Hi readers! It’s JT back with some more Upper West Side eats. After weeks of watching the Paris Olympics, I needed some classic French cuisine.
But here’s the problem, French grub is a little pricier, so make the calculated move to invite a parent for this meal.
Both because you want to see them, and because you want the steak.
Enough chitchat, though, here is the meal.
Cafe du Soleil on 104th Street and Broadway has been a popular Upper West Side spot since it opened in 2004. The classic French bistro look inside, combined with the multiple televisions broadcasting the Olympics this weekend, transports the patrons to Paris.
Importantly, despite a lively atmosphere closer to the bar, the restaurant is also not too loud, so you can hold a conversation without shouting over your escargot, which is a rare and valuable experience in the world of New York City dining.
I ordered a cocktail, an appetizer, an entree, and two desserts, but decided to get options other than the two dishes Cafe du Soleil is perhaps best known for — the previously mentioned escargot and the restaurant’s steamed mussels.
Peach Bourbon: $14
I started the night with a refreshing Peach Bourbon, which was perfect to beat the ongoing heat wave. The drink is a mixture of bourbon, peach, lemon juice, and simple syrup, with the peach shining through.
The cocktail is a great go-to if you prefer a fruity drink that dampens the taste of the liquor.
The peach bourbon. Courtesy photo.
Gazpacho: $10
The gazpacho was an excellent way to start the meal off lightly. It might be a cold soup, but this dish packed a different type of tasty heat with each bite.
The gazpacho. Courtesy photo.
Bavette A L Echalotte: $39
For my main dish, I decided to go with a premium skirt steak that came with red wine shallots sauce served with garlic fries. Now, let me tell you, when they say premium, the restaurant is not exaggerating. The steak cut like butter and was the perfect melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
The shallot sauce had the slightest tang with a corresponding hint of sweetness. Any leftover sauce was great for the thin, crispy French fries on the side. Overall, it was a fantastic dish.
The skirt steak. Courtesy photo.
Creme Brulee and Tarte Aux Pommes, a La Mode: $9 each
What is the point of going out with others if you don’t share desserts? The creme brulee is generally a must at a French restaurant and this one did not disappoint.
The custard itself was rich and creamy, and a little on the looser side. The crunchy caramel top paired perfectly. Readers, I want to know, is there anything more satisfying than breaking a beautifully torched sugar layer?
In regards to the apple tart, what stood out to me the most was the top crust. There was a beautiful crisscross of a very thick, wonderfully soft crust. The apples were thinly sliced and seasoned with sugar and cinnamon. It was paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a strawberry.
The desserts. Courtesy photo.
JT’s Grubby Conclusion:
With just one more week left in the Paris Olympics, why wait?
You can find out more about Cafe du Soleil — HERE.
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