Croque Madam - LA/OC??

[loreeLB]

ISO a traditional fantastic croque madam! The best I've had was in OC at a little place at the outdoor mall in Newport.. anywhere else you would rec???

[loreeLB]

all sound fantastic, cannot wait to go try!!! I cannot recall the name of the one in NB, that sounds familiar?!?! thank you everyone!!!

[Mattapoisett in LA]

My vote of favor is for the one at La Maison du Pain. it's a little different, since it is not swimming in Béchamel which I find common in other versions, they just put a dollop under the egg. This makes the dish much more balanced and pleasing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36456197...

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La Maison Du Pain
5373 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

[SilverlakeGirl]

Cafe Stella
Silverlake

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Cafe Stella
3932 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029

[tissue]

Dusty's on Sunset

[josephnl]

Champagne French Bakery & Cafe which has several locations in OC (irvine, Costa Mesa, etc.) makes a rather good traditional croque monsieur. Since they also have a full breakfast menu...eggs, omelettes, etc., I can't imagine why they wouldn't put a fried egg on top of a croque monsieur...et voila, une croque madame!

See: http://www.champagnebakery.com/home/

[Ernie]

They have a fantastic croque madame at FIG in Santa Monica

[lizziee]

Bouchon, Beverly Hills

[dlew308]

You mentioned Newport....was that at Brasserie Pascal?

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Brasserie Pascal
327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

[carter]

Hatfields, period!
Best of the best.

[Phurstluv]

+1 in Hatfield's.

[carter]

Upon re-reading your question, you mention traditional croque.
Well, the version at Hatfield's is anything but that, but a modification that to me works better than the original. Here are the ingredients:
"Yellowtail sashimi, prosciutto, sunny side up quail egg, grilled brioche"
If you don't like it, I will buy!

[josephnl]

Although the Hatfield's sandwich sounds delicious, I think it's sort of silly to refer to it as a Croque Monsieur (if they indeed do, as a few of the postings imply). It's one thing to update a classic a bit (and clearly state this on the menu), but when you present something entirely different, as delicious it may be, it seems to me you should call it what it is.

[carter]

It is referred to as a croque madame, not monsieur.
Updated, indeed!

[Peripatetic]

Hatfield's version is a pretty significant variation from a traditional croque-madame, too.

[Servorg]

I think both Mrs. and the Mr. would croak at using their name sakes in reference to the Hatfield version...

[carter]

Yes, and better too!!!

[josephnl]

Seems ridiculous to call it a a croque madame...although it does sound tasty!

[Porthos]

I wouldn't call it "ridiculous". It's got the fried egg, brioche, proscuitto instead of ham, and beurre blanc instead of béchamel. The only thing extra is the slices of hamachi. 4 out of 5 layers of the Hatfield's version is related to the traditional version. And on the menu it's: "Croque Madame" with parentheses so it's recognized that it's not your traditional version. I'd take Hatfield's version over the traditional version every single time.

[bad nono]

well, traditional croques in France don't use brioche but regular bread ("pain de mie") nor prosciutto but ham ("jambon blanc"). I'm sure that whatever Hatfield's serves is delicious but whatever it is, it's not a croque, not in the traditional way.

[josephnl]

As long as the menu indicates somehow that it's not the traditional, I'm ok with it. If I ordered a "croque madame" and was unaware that it was a very loose interpretation of it such as Hatfield's apparenty serves, I'd be very annoyed, and I think rightfully so.

[Phurstluv]

Yes, they have the description right under it as to what it's made with. Anyone who reads it and then expects a traditional one deserves to be disappointed.

[perk]

Used to be really good one, that seemed traditional, at Church & State. But I haven't been there since they've changed chefs....

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Church & State
1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

[Servorg]

I've had a fine C Madam at Amandine a few times in the past. Not sit down service, it that makes a difference.

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Amandine Patissiere
12225 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025