During today's brief rainstorm, I used the time to drive out to Le Rêve (*****). (NOTE: I accidentally gave them **** instead the last time, not remembering that five stars is my superlative. Sorry! I've corrected the previous blog entry.) Today, I dined on the Pan Bagnat ($8.50) and accompanied it with a cup of their superb drip coffee ($1.50). The Pan Bagnat is actually a tuna sandwich. From a cursory glance at the menu, I'd expected a twist on the usual Chicken of the Sea on a croissaint. Little did I know that I would be presented with a tuna steak sandwich!
The entire experience at Le Rêve bespoke food and drink as something, if not quite sacred, then deserving of respect and attention. I sat in along the front window, in a direct line over the counter with the kitchen. Instead of a stereotypical short-order cook, the kitchen featured what looked like an entire chef line, with three chefs in neat white uniforms. They worked at a methodical, unhurried pace. Though carry-out is available, I didn’t see any plastic or paper plates, cups or tableware being used in the café or leaving with customers other than a couple cold drinks. Soft music played in the background. All of this for food and beverage at a price point equal to fast casual restaurants, a lower category.
Le Reve served me a Filet du Boeuf that was way overseasoned, and the service is terrible. I would not waste my money on dinner or lunch there, but I will grant that their bakery is good.
Posted by: Joe Leblanc | October 24, 2008 at 04:22 PM