Whether you are an avid fan of The French Chef who knows Julia Child's cookbooks from beginning to end or a casual diner who can almost pronounce ratatouille, you can most likely admit that French food has always been prepared with a little glamour and a hint of mystery. Let’s be honest, who wouldn't expect a higher level of cuisine from a classically trained French Chef? Here in Alexandria, I’ve noticed a huge intimidation factor when asking my local friends to sit down for a French meal with me. I’ve heard everything from, “I don’t need super fancy plates with tiny portions” to “There's no way I'm eating snails and frog legs for dinner!” (But you really should try them. They are quite delicious!) In all seriousness, French cuisine is as diverse as it comes with a few keynotes that will never change: freshness, quality ingredients, technique and (my personal favorite) butter. When I think of French cuisine, I think of indulgence and richness. Beautiful sauces, sumptuous meats and did I mention the butter? With February being all about romance, what better time than now to explore some of Alexandria’s best French offerings?
FONTAINE CAFFE & CREPERIE On South Royal Street in Old Town, not far from the main strip of King Street, is Fontaine Caffe & Creperie. With the easy feel of a French Cafe, the name still has the Italian spelling from the original owners. Fontaine
is an approachable option for diners of all levels that is known for its crepes. Typically a street food, crepes are a simple, thin ‘pancake’ filled with anything and everything! From market-fresh veggies to sweet and creamy
Nutella, this French favorite is the definition of diverse. But Fontaine’s menu has a variety of options as well as offering a traditional or buckwheat crepe as a gluten free option. But the menu doesn't end there. They offer an impressive selection of brunch, lunch and dinner items, all while keeping their ingredient list under 30 items to ensure they are only using the freshest ingredients. I personally enjoyed the Parisienne, which is roasted herb chicken, ratatouille & brie cheese. Everything was freshly prepared and perfectly cooked with just the right level of crunch to the vegetables. Fontaine is the perfect place to enjoy with the girls or on a date, sipping on coffee or cocktails and sharing a crepe or two!
LE REFUGE Wandering over to North Washington Street, there is a little gem that has been gracing the area for 38 years: Le Refuge. When entering this quaint restaurant, you are instantly transported to a family-owned bistro in the French countryside. The menu and recipes never change, offering their loyal customers the comfort of knowing that their favorite dishes will always be there, just the way they remembered them. Offering lunch, dinner and a pre-fixed menu, Le Refuge creates a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to sit back and enjoy, with each course served at your desired pace. The menu items are
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