I took French in high school and sucked at it. My teacher was an old French woman who seemed irritated with Americans. Or maybe she was just irritated with me since I said je nais sais pas often when I was called on. You know how Anne of Green Gables called cranky people gimlets? Well, this woman was a gimlet who would slam her wrinkled hand on my desk and screech VITE VITE (hurry hurry) and I'm sorry, a person cannot think in another language in the morning when someone is shouting at you.
Anyway.
Despite the fact that I never grasped the French language, I do love French food. I can even order myself cheese (fromage) and chocolate (chocolat.) A new French restaurant opened at The Pearl in San Antonio called Brasserie Mon Chou Chou and I knew I wanted to try it out. Mom and I decided to go for lunch.
It's not huge inside and is set up nicely. There is outdoor seating as well.
You don't just get water handed over in a cup. Nope, they pour water from a fancy bottle for you. I also ordered Diet Coke.
I knew I wanted to get the Sandwich Au Fromage Raclette which is where they scrape melted raclette cheese on a baguette. I'm serious. Look:
I don't think I've even had raclette cheese before. It sort of smells like feet but DOES NOT taste like feet. It had a rich flavor that paired wonderfully with the fresh baguette. I got mine with the Bayonne ham which basically tasted like prosciutto.
This is actually considered an appetizer. I saw many tables sharing it. However, my poor mom is lactose intolerant so she couldn't have any. This is why it was my main dish.
I also got a side of fries because when I lived in Belgium I remembered the glorious fries wrapped in a cone. These fries weren't quite as good, but still scrumptious and fresh. They were well salted and served with garlic aioli (love) and ketchup.
Mom got the Coq Au Vin. I had a bite and the chicken was tender and well seasoned. The mashed potatoes tasted creamy (which is why mom didn't have much of them to be safe) and were flavorful.
Oh, and in between taking these photos, I accidentally dropped my phone because I am a total klutz. It made a loud crash and mom was slightly embarrassed. Sorry.
There are tons of different wines and cocktails to try but I decided to get dessert instead. Behold the creme brûlée.
I would have ordered a dessert Mom would have too but sadly there weren't any. However, she was able to eat the fruit. My dessert tasted fresh and had that perfect crack when you break the sugar on top.
I would recommend Brasserie Mon Chou Chou for sure. There's also a Sunday Brunch that I'll have to try at some point. To check out the menu and see the hours, go here. It does get busy so I recommend making reservations which you can do from the site.
Do you love French food?
You are so lucky to have a spectacular restaurant like that near you and I have not been out to eat in a year. I have rarely had French food but this looks special even for French.
ReplyDeleteOMG, it sounds amazing there. It not only looks like a stylish place to eat that melted cheese sandwich looks to die for. Shame they had no dessert left, maybe something to look forward to for your next visit x
ReplyDeleteThey had dessert ;) I got some as seen in the photos.
DeleteI am not a fan of French food as too rich for me. Now French pastries are another story as they are delicious.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy French food. There's a little place in my town my husband and I have gone to before. I really want what you ordered though!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really nice restaurant! Their fries looks so scrumptious as well as the other foods.
ReplyDeleteThis place is so beautiful and all the food looks really delicious.
ReplyDeleteI am a lover of the French culture (check my URL, lol), their meals and their pastries are everything and more
ReplyDeleteI discovered Raclette as a kid when we visited Switzerland it is so amazing. Not a big French food lover but I could live on wine, cheese and chocolate
ReplyDeleteThis brasserie is very chic! And the food look really inviting!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I am drooling over that creme brulee! Now I am hungry!
DeleteOh I saw that cheese once on a travel show, and have been craving it ever since! So lucky you were able to go!
ReplyDeleteWhat an elegant restaurant for lunch! The coq au vin looks delicious and I love how they serve the fries!
ReplyDeleteDrooling for that cheese! Love the ambiance too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like delicious food. I haven't tried that cheese, I need to check it out this resturant when I visit San Antonio.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks really scrumptious! This makes me crave in the middle of the night! LMAO
ReplyDeleteThe ambiance of the place is really amazing indeed! Great share!
ReplyDeleteI was living in France and I love French food. I really miss it. You are lucky for having this.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks like a great restaurant and the food looks delicious as well �� I'd love to visit this place!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Everything Enchanting
The food looks so good! I would love to give this restaurant a try.
ReplyDeleteI never had raclette cheese before, and I'm here drooling from your photo.
ReplyDeleteThat cheese looks so good. I've only had French food a couple times and it was some kind of steak meal. I did love it though!
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks like a really amazing restaurant, the foods looks absolutely delicious.
ReplyDeleteI do love French food. And this is worth a try. The dessert looks delish. I'd choose it too over cocktails
ReplyDeleteEverything looks delicious. Such a special meal to enjoy with your Mom. (She is beautiful by the way). I am not sure what part of the meal would have been my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThis place is really pretty inside and the dessert was gorgeous! I am sure I could find something I would enjoy to eat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely meal! I had raclette when I went to Switzerland and it was dreamy! I'd love to try it again.
ReplyDeleteI totally laughed out loud when I read that the cheese smells like feet. LOL. I would have held my breath until it was in my mouth lol.
ReplyDeleteOk the Sandwich Au Fromage Raclette look good if I ever make it back to France I will have to try it.
ReplyDeleteFrench food is a class apart, and the Brasserie Mon Chou, seems to be a perfect place to relish French cuisine.
ReplyDeleteHA oh my gosh. The cheese!!! looked good though!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love your mom. How fun to "meet" her! I can see a resemblence between her and your daughter. Second. That sandwich. I will not rest until I have had one too.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a stunning hotel and the food looks delicious!�� I would love to visit this place :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteEverything Enchanting ❤️