STUART — I tried the new café in Stuart.
Located in the North Stuart Plaza, where Fantini’s Italian Restaurant is, La Belle Vie Café is owned and run by a couple from the South of France.
I went with the intention of trying one of the quiches, which is about as far as my experience with French cuisine goes.
After perusing three separate menus: the quiche menu, the sweet or savory crepes menu, and the full American breakfast menu, I went for the croque monsieur instead. It’s France’s version of a ham and grilled cheese sandwich.
As they are prone to do, the French do grilled cheese with a bit more indulgence. It’s made with gruyere and parmesan cheeses, ham and a creamy French white sauce called béchamel, then toasted in the oven.
It presented beautifully. The cheese melted on the top side of the sandwich to a delectable golden brown and served with a side of arugula salad with a balsamic glaze, garnished with a tiny French flag. The sharpness of the arugula cut through the richness of the béchamel. It was tasty and decadent, I could only eat half.
I did, however, finish off the other half later that afternoon. It was calling to me from my fridge.
The croque madame, which is the same as the monsieur but topped with a fried egg, is also on the menu.
My breakfast date is a crepe connoisseur. The crepe menu includes sweet, savory, and build-your-own.
We ordered the sweet crepe with lemon, strawberries, whipped cream and a side of Nutella. Is it really a sweet crepe if it doesn’t have Nutella?
The crepe was delicate and lacy, the fillings perfectly balanced. My friend did not bring anything home and instead, became a member of the clean plate club and a fan of the new café.
The American side of the menu includes a breakfast grill full of egg dishes, omelets, pancakes, waffles, egg sandwiches, avocado toast and French toast.
We were too full to order dessert, but it sure sounded good. Crème brûlée, a chocolate chip cookie the size of a plate, brownies, fruit salad and of course, French macarons are on the menu.
Formerly known as the Elm City Café, the place looks brand new. The floors tiled in a herring bone pattern, the small bar elegantly appointed. There are tables and booths and the whole place looked and felt pristine.
We were served by the owner himself. His French accent, and eagerness to accommodate were refreshing.
The small bistro offers indoor and outdoor seating is easy to get to, and has ample parking.
La Belle Vie Café is open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.
La Belle Vie Café is located at 1560 N.W. Federal Highway, Stuart.