Cafe Presse

Going to lunch alone with my mom is a rare occasion (and may possibly have never occurred), so when I read about Cafe Presse last week, I decided it was the place I'd take her for a quiet meal while Gigi hung out with Robin's parents.

Really the only reason I was bent on going was their "menu of casual Parisian cafe classics." With a grilled sardine baguette sandwich on their menu, I figured they knew what they were doing (or had better).

When we got there I parked right in front of the cafe. I meant to ask whether or not I was allowed to park there, but forgot once we were inside (I didn't have a ticket when we left, but the meter maid was three cars away, so I couldn't say for sure if my parking was legit).

We dined in the cafe's front room, which despite its smallish footprint, felt spacious due to the high ceilings and natural light. The sparse, hip decor added to the openness with simplicity. I didn't know there was a back room (see photo) until I came home to write this.

It was 11am, so we were the first ones for lunch. I chose a table midway across the single row of tables lined up against the wall. My mom picked up a Seattle Weekly and a Figaro newspaper before sitting down.

One of the six beautiful people on the floor brought us menus and cool tap water in a clear wine bottle, no ice. Very French except for the fact that in France you'd have to beg for it and get it half an hour later.

We shared a spicy tomato soup with slices of goat cheese, then my mom had the grilled sardine baguette and I had a Croque Madame, which is a Croque Monsieur with a fried egg on top. Satisfyingly crispy in just the right places and Bechamel-gooey in all the others. Delicious! With two cups of coffee our bill came to under $25, plus tip for very pleasant service.

Over the hour we were there the rest of the place (the front room at least) filled up easily. Two men sitting next to us were French, judging by the way they spoke the language - rapidly and peppered with slang. They ordered beer and seemed to be waiting for a soccer match to start (the TV only plays foreign sports I think).

I will surely take Robin there to enjoy a carafe of wine and Steak Frites, one of his favorite dishes. I may be craving another Croque by then too.