Classique French fare takes it’s turn in the Savor Sarasota spotlight.
Who doesn’t love the experience of sitting outdoors and enjoying a perfect French meal street-side? The answer is, No one. At least everybody I know loves this style of dining. We’re lucky here in Sarasota. There lots of places to eat and feel the Florida breeze in your hair. There may be outside options, but, Cafe L’Europe captures the essence of the experience in way like no other. I mean, come on, you’re right on the circle!
So, we’ve got the makings of a perfect Savor Sarasota adventure. Classic French cuisine, authentic open air, euro dining style and a three course meal. I have this feeling that we’re about to hit a home run (I wonder how you say that in French?).
I’m just going to warn you in advance (so as not to surprise you). This menu is LOADED with French flair. I mean LOADED. Without further ado, I bring you Chef Jonathan DeRue’s Menu Magnifique…
Lunch First Course (Choice of one)
French Market Soup au Gratin
Café L’Europe Salad
Mixed greens, tomato, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, cucumber, carrots, black olives and balsamic vinaigrette
Lunch Second Course (Choice of one)
French Crépes Du Jour
Chef’s whim, served with rice
Beef Stroganoff
Sautéed tender beef medallions, creamy mushroom sauce, papardelle pasta
Chicken Salad L’Europe
White meat chicken, pistachio, grapes, fresh fruit, banana-nut muffin
Grilled Mahi Mahi Provencal
Artichoke, olives, capers, tomato, onion, basil, lemon butter sauce
Lunch Third Course (Choice of one)
House Made Sorbet Du Jour
Profiterole
French puff pastry stuffed with ice cream, chocolate sauce
Dinner First Course (Choice of one)
Lobster Bisque
Morsels of lobster, crème fraiche, sherry
Café L’Europe Salad
Mixed greens, tomato, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, cucumber, carrots, black olives and balsamic vinaigrette.
Escargot Bourguignon
French snails baked in garlic herb-butter
Dinner Second Course (Choice of one)
Atlantic Fillet of Salmon
Char-grilled Atlantic salmon, herb crusted, brie and dill cream sauce
Cassoulet au Cunard
Slow simmered duck, pork, sausage, white beans
Leek Ash Crusted Chicken
Leek ash crusted chicken breast en croute, tomato fennel jam
Beef Stronganoff
Sautéed tender beef medallions, creamy mushroom sauce, papardelle pasta
Dinner Third Course (Choice of one)
Profiterole
French puff pastry stuffed with ice cream, chocolate sauce
Table Side Crépes Suzette for Two
Oh my. If you’re a lover of French cuisine (which I certainly am), you just about lost it when you saw that menu. OK, come back down, let’s talk about some of my highlights. Lunch, seated outside naturally. First, Café L’Europe Salad. Second, Grilled Mahi Mahi Provencal. Third, House Made Sorbet Du Jour (I’m a BIG fan of sorbet, especially house made. That shows some effort!). Dinner, inside or out weather dependent. This is where it gets interesting for me. First course, Lobster Bisque (but, I want the escargot too). Second, Cassoulet au Cunard and lastly Table Side Crépes Suzette for Two.
I wish, I wish, I wish… That this was one of those “eat the whole menu for $ (price goes here) places. Honestly, This menu doesn’t have one thing that I wouldn’t be super happy about seeing on my plate. Not one thing. Great job Cafe L’Europe. Like I said, Home Run!
CAFE L’EUROPE
431 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4415
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