Ooh La La! HAVE YOU BEEN TO FRENCHIE’S CAFE?

Unique!  Charming!  Cool!   Frenchie’s Café is one of those places you came to Key West to discover and enjoy!.  Key West used to be filled with one-of-a-kind establishments, but over the years many of those unique, special places have sadly gone by the wayside. Enter Frenchie’s Café!  Where do I start?  Shall I tell you about the outstanding friendly customer service with a Hello or Bonjour as you enter the front door!

Or shall I describe the décor and ambiance straight from Paris  –  close your eyes and imagine dining on the left bank, or in a little café on the banks of the Seine with the French conversations going on in the background! –   Maybe I should tempt you with a description of all the wonderful croissants, eclairs, and pastries you see in the case as you walk in the front door – those are my weakness, it’s a wonder I am not 400 pounds! Oh the chocolate croissants – ooh la la!

If you have been lucky enough to have experienced Paris, you will find yourself in Frenchie’s reminiscing with memories of special days gone by in Paris, as this is an authentic Parisian café!  After you are greeted by the friendliest staff in Key West, and you have perused the ‘show case’ of delectable goodies, grab a high top table and notice the attention to detail in your surroundings –

a 1940’s phone that will speak French to you!, an upholstered living room chair to sink in to, and all the pictures on the wall of the many guests who have enjoyed Frenchie’s Café in the last year!  Don’t be surprised if Stephanie snaps your photo while you are there!

But more about why you don’t want to miss Frenchie’s  – the food!  Now that you have finished salivating at the mouth-watering treats in the case, glance to the right and find their menu boards for other offerings.  They have several types of quiche available each day, but don’t wait too late, or they may be out of your favorite.

Traditional quiche Lorraine, Salmon quiche, or vegetarian – all made fresh daily  – no frozen  food here, everything is made in house with love and care by the owners Stephanie, Vavier, and their baker.  Hungry for breakfast or brunch? Try the Croque-Madame or Croque-Monsieur, the difference as Stephanie explained to me is Madame has eggs [think of the eggs as Madame’s breasts], Monsieur does not have eggs!

And of course there are coffees!  Expresso, Noisette, Café au Lait, Cappuccino, Regular coffee and teas.

Is it lunch time?  Have a cool refreshing Salad Nicoise of greens, red onions, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, capers and hard boiled egg, or maybe a Hot Goat Cheese salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, onions, walnut, grape, warm goat cheese on toast!  And they have sandwiches – sandwiches you will never forget!….Prosciutto Cotto, Smoked salmon, Country Pate, Turkey, Ham and Cheese n*2, and Cheese n*1 – Camembert or Blue cheese or St Nectaire or Cantal or Goat all joining flavors with mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onions, capers, cornichons and Vinaigrette Michou – a vegetarian’s delight!  Sandwiches range from $6.50 – $9.50.

And what would a French café be without wine?  ‘Zey haffe not just wine!’   But French wine!  And Champagne too!  And  Beer – Red Stripe, Stella, Heineken, Corona, Coors Light and a few others.

But whatever you do…. YOU HAVE TO SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!  A dreamy chocolate eclair or croissant – you can tell I am a chocoholic!  Or maybe a Chausson Aux Pommes (an Apple turnover),  or a Croissant aux Amandes (an Almond Croissant).  You just can not leave without a sweet delight, even if you have to get it to go!

Later this year, around October, they will be opening a garden seating area in the back with lounging furniture as well as tables and chairs.  They will stay open a little later in the day, and offer some new and different menu items such as cheese and meat plates.  So watch for this additional dining area to be opening soon.

September 4th is Frenchie’s Café 1 year Anniversary.  Come in and celebrate with Stephanie and Xavier and enjoy a Regular coffee and croissant for $2.50 – special is good Monday –Friday for the month of September!

So, I will look for you at Frenchie’s Café.  I will be the one with the plate of Chocolate pastries!

Bon appetite!

Frenchie’s Café 529 United St next to Pearl’s Guesthouse, just 1 block off Duval. 

They deliver! ($15 minimum)  305-296-7124

Bringing Paris to Key West!  Thanks Frenchie’s Café!