It’s rare that I’m speechless after a meal.Even rarer when that meal comes out of a take out box. But consider Ms.
BiteClub stunned into a reverent silence for the now decimated
container of Boeuf Bourguignon from Chloe’s French Cafe. Je suis dans l’amour.
Tipped
off by a reader (thank you! thank you!), Chloe’s has been open for just
a few weeks in the most unlikely of spots–the Landmark Executive
building off Airway Drive in Santa Rosa. Both a sit-down cafe and
take-away spot, there’s no exterior signage to tip eaters off to this
bonanza of French brasserie-style fare: homemade croissants, brioche,
sandwiches (including a hearty Nicoise and zut alor, Croque Monsieur–Béchamel sauce, baked ham and Gruyere on bread) and soups.
But it’s the weekly specials you’re here for, the Bourguignon this week, and at the whim of the chef, things like Coq au Vin and more, usually under $10.
The
Bourguignon, which is basically a long-simmered beef and vegetable stew
with a heavy dose of red wine, is served on a square of gratin
potatoes. I usually really dislike the stuff, because the meat can get
tough and gamey and the veggies mushy. With chunks of still-intact
mushroom and carrot comingling with beef that literally falls apart in
your mouth, BiteClub has is rethinking Bourgogne altogether. The dish should be on the menu through the week and will hopefully reappear throughout the winter.
It should come as little surprise that behind the restaurant are two French brothers,
Alain (the pastry chef) and Marc (the sommelier) Pisan whose family
have been artisinal bakers for generations. Alain’s wife, Renee (an
American) heads up the café and catering kitchen, having immersed
herself in the art of French cuisine.
With the remnants of a hazelnut crème puff still on my fingers, BiteClub can confidently report that desserts are Parisian-quality.
Alain whips up feather-light éclairs, tarts and cakes each day, most
under $3, and some under $2. Raspberry mousse tart? Please.
Marc is putting his wine skills to go use by offering up a happy hour each Friday evening
from 4 to 6pm, featuring French and local wines. There are plans for
cooking and wine pairing classes in the near future. Sign up for their
newsletter at chloesco.com.
So okay, you have your marching orders, eaters. Get steppin’ to Chloe’s. Rapidement! I’ve still got some pastry-eating to do.
If
you go: Take the Mendocino exit off 101 and head down Hopper Avenue
(look for the Kohl’s Department Store). Make a right on Airway Drive
(you think you’re headed for a dead-end) and turn left into the
Landmark Executive Center. Go to the far parking lot and enter through
the main entrance. Chloe’s is on the left, just use your nose.
Chloe’s French Café, 3883 Airway Dr., Suite 145, Santa Rosa, 707.528.3095. Open 7:30am to 5pm weekdays. Closed on weekends.
OMG this place beats Viola’s hands down. The food was awesome, the service was spot on and the whole experinence was beyond words. I ordered the crouqe masiour and my mother had the curry chicken salad sandwich on a crossiant with a side of soup. BOTH sandwiches and the soup had the best of tastes, the crouqe masiour beat out Viola’s hands down. The hot, cheesey, ham filled sandwich far exceeded my expectations. Viola’s failed miserbaly. The side of grain mustard and pickle which were great made the meal perfect. The tea my mom ordered was perfect. I cannot wait till my next visit back and to sample other things on the menu. To the owners and staff of Choles you have a gold mind and I wish you were open on weekends and were not at the north end of town. This is a spot to go to and go to often, thank you for a great lunch, and for having the lunch linger as long as it has.