Everything French but the Attitude?

Well, at least that's what's silkscreened on the black shirts of the French waiters at a favorite little restaurant of mine, Cafe Beaujolais.

From previous experiences, I knew that the little French bistro can get pretty loud and busy during the dinner hours. So the planner in me played it safe, just in case. My girlfriend and I made reservations for a table for 2 at 7pm. We arrived with great anticipation and expected to splurge on a delici-yoso meal.

With some tables in the patio area, the wooden door that leads you into Cafe Beaujolais opens up a whole other world inside. You feel as though time is not an issue as you wait for your dishes, sipping a glass of French wine over some friendly dinner conversation. Suddenly, you're no longer in Los Angeles, but in Paris - surrounded by the rich earthy colors and flavors of France. Accents of the romantic language are heard throughout the room as the waitstaff playfully banter with guests and take their orders. Inspired prints line the walls, reminiscent of Henri Matisse. And glasses of wine could be found at every table.

Once we arrived, we were seated right away at our table. As this was my third time at the restaurant, I knew what I wanted to order...my usual: Tomato and Shallot Salad in a Balsamic Vinegeratte; Parmesan Crusted Halibut in a Champagne Sauce; and end with a dessert. But, we wanted to be a bit daring that night...

So we started with the $6.95 Endive Salad with Walnuts. Neither of us really cared for this starter though. (Not big fans of bleu cheese or French dressing...both of which were on the salad.) I guess I pictured something other than the fancy yet very bitter leaves of endive lettuce. Should have just stuck with my favorite tomato and shallot salad! Oh well...so much for being daring. Next time, I'll pass on the endive salad. But the French Onion Soup ($5.75) was fabulous! Cheesy with plenty of bread soaked in broth and buttery onion layers. Just enough saltiness to get my palate thirsty for more. I also ordered a glass of their Chardonnay to go with the meal. Unfortunately for me, the few little gnat-like bugs that tried to join our dinner also had wine on their minds. As soon as I set my glass down and looked away, I found two of them swimming drunk in the wine. As my girlfriend sarcastically remarked...we had no idea that dinner came with entertainment as well! Too bad they didn't comp my wine. Instead, our server replaced my barely sipped glass with another $7 Fuisse, and joked with me about the little bugs as I tried to shoo them away and catch them with clapped hands. "Deed yoo catch ze little guy?" asked our waiter with a sly grin. "No," I replied, "he got away." My girlfriend and I were a bit irked, but were still in pretty good spirits to make light of the whole situation.

Anyway, of everything I've tried at Cafe Beaujolais, the best entree by far is the Parmesan Crusted Halibut in a Champagne Sauce. Each time I've ordered it, I have not been disappointed. The tender white fish melts in your mouth with its buttery cream sauce. Topped with a garnish of sweet carmelized orange peels, it's a perfect blend of richness with the right hint of tang that gives the fish some extra citrus flavor. The meal comes with a nice portion of garlic mashed potatoes, a stuffed tomato, and some sauteed green beans. Great portions for $17.95. My dinner companion settled for the Filet Mignon w/Au Jois and French Fries cooked medium ($18.95). It was a bit too pink for her liking, but just right for me as I took a few bites from her plate. I used my own dish's sauce as an accompaniment and ate the meat with some of my own sides. The fries just didn't make the cut for me. We both decided that the dish should come with some steamed or sauteed vegetables as well which would have made it complete.

We then ordered cups of decaf coffee ($1.95/each) with our shared Profiterole dessert for $5.95. It was getting late, and neither one of us wanted to be up with a caffeine fix. Instead, we indulged in some light cream puff pastry with whipped cream, warm chocolate fudge, and cool vanilla ice cream. Absolutely delish! Too bad we couldn't finish the plate. Total tab sans tip = $71.82.

Cafe Beaujolais is a great French restaurant with a quaint, country feel to it, with a nice selection of wine, and live jazz music on selected evenings which I have yet to experience. The food is reasonably priced (not too wallet breaking) and absolutely rich in flavor. My recommendations include starting with the Tomato and Shallot Salad along with the French Onion Soup, the Halibut entree, and end with the Profiterole and coffee. Beware of flying friends, enjoy the quick witted French servers, and make reservations for a table. Oh, and I've never had a problem finding street parking near by.

Cafe Beaujolais in Eagle Rock
Street: 1712 Colorado Blvd
T: 323.255.5111