Who makes the best CROQUE MONSIEUR?
Hey Gang,
Yes, I am a true Francophile (especially when it comes to food)!
Does anyone know a place that does a CROQUE MONSIUER very authentically?
I tried it at TARTINE (West Village) and PIGAILLE (Hell's Kitchen). Both were very disappointing.
A great CHOCOLAT CHAUD too...
What about LE GAMIN or is it LES DEUX GAMINS? (very confusing)
Atomic Betty
Nov 02, 2004 02:13PM
I've heard Balthazar's is very good. I get a Croque Madame at a local place in Brooklyn that I find fantastic - called A Table in Fort Greene.
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Le Deux Gamins went out of business a couple of years ago. I noticed that the Le Gamin on Bedford has changed it's name to Cafe Henri or somesuch. Anyone know if this extends to the rest of the empire?
I had a pretty good croque monsieur at Financier on Stone St. Prices there are fairly gentle. I was disappointed with the version at Ceci Cela, although I like the place a lot for croissants and pastries.
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Is FINANCIER a take-out or eat-in (cafe) place?
Thanks!
AB
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Peter,
Is FINANCIER an eat-in (cafe) or take-out place?
Thanks a lot,
AB
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I'm not Peter, but the answer is both. It also has terrific coffee, pastries and panini.
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Going to check out Financier...sounds great!
AB
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I like the one at Bar 6, on 6th and 13th.
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I would recommend the croque monsieur (and croque madame) at Bacchus on Atlantic Avenue and Bond Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Also, there is a new Le Gamin on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn.
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I too am searching for the perfect Croque Monsieur...
Bar Six on 6th near 12th St. makes a great one with creamy bechamel... yum... but they only have it on their lunch menu.
It's the best one I've found so far.
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What role does bechamel play in a croque monsieur?
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While not authentic, I've noticed a few places on this side of the pond put a bit of bechamel in their croque monsieur -- and I gotta say that it really, really works.
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Gotta go with Pastis on this one. I've been to a couple parties that Pastis catered, and the croque Monsieur was rocking....great bread, thin layer of delish sauce, authentic french ham, and a nice cheesy layer of quality gruyere.
Of course, pretty much anyone can whip up a similar version at home.
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agreed with Pastis and Bar 6. but don't forget Le Jardin-lunch time only-.after midnight, Le Express is a good choice.
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Eric Asimov raved about the croque monsieur at Le Quinze (Houston & Sullivan) in his review in the Times; however, I was not particularly impressed. Admittedly, I am no connoisseur of the croque monsieur.
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My wife loves the C.M. and likes the ones a Les Gamin a lot.
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While on the larger side, I really like the one at Nice Matin on the UWS.
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Payard makes a good one as well. I also had a decent one at the Creperie Cafe (I think that's the name). Both on the UES.
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The best croque monsieur Iate in new york is at Le Quinze on Houston street.
Iwent there after the new york times review and it was amazing.
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The one at Fairway's cafe is superb. Mmmmmmm
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Amy,
Do you mean FAIRWAY, the supermarket, has a cafe? Or is there actually a Fairway restaurant?
Thanks,
AB
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Fairway has a cafe upstairs! It is most wonderful. Becomes a steakhouse at night. Great breakfast and lunch menu, nice desserts too!
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FYI I just went to Pastis for brunch yesterday, and the croque madame there is even better than I remembered. They must be making the bechamel sauce with white wine, or doing something else that is above and beyond the call of duty for a Meatpacking place that would be mobbed even if they served dog food. Very difficult to find a croque madame (with the egg on top) - but Pastis has got it down.
bellastraniera
Gastro Chic
http://www.gastrochic.com
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I have to vote for the C.M at Pastis...perfect! Plus, it so great to sit outside and peoplewatch with a bottle of wine on a cool day. The best!
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by far, the best i've had in nyc was at dumont on union and metropolitan in williamsburg. only available for brunch i think.
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