By JT
Hi readers! It’s JT back with some more Upper West Side eats. After weeks of watching the Paris Olympics, I needed some classic French cuisine.
But here’s the problem, French grub is a little pricier, so make the calculated move to invite a parent for this meal.
Both because you want to see them, and because you want the steak.
Enough chitchat, though, here is the meal.
Cafe du Soleil on 104th Street and Broadway has been a popular Upper West Side spot since it opened in 2004. The classic French bistro look inside, combined with the multiple televisions broadcasting the Olympics this weekend, transports the patrons to Paris.
Importantly, despite a lively atmosphere closer to the bar, the restaurant is also not too loud, so you can hold a conversation without shouting over your escargot, which is a rare and valuable experience in the world of New York City dining.
I ordered a cocktail, an appetizer, an entree, and two desserts, but decided to get options other than the two dishes Cafe du Soleil is perhaps best known for — the previously mentioned escargot and the restaurant’s steamed mussels.
Peach Bourbon: $14
I started the night with a refreshing Peach Bourbon, which was perfect to beat the ongoing heat wave. The drink is a mixture of bourbon, peach, lemon juice, and simple syrup, with the peach shining through.
The cocktail is a great go-to if you prefer a fruity drink that dampens the taste of the liquor.
Gazpacho: $10
The gazpacho was an excellent way to start the meal off lightly. It might be a cold soup, but this dish packed a different type of tasty heat with each bite.
Bavette A L Echalotte: $39
For my main dish, I decided to go with a premium skirt steak that came with red wine shallots sauce served with garlic fries. Now, let me tell you, when they say premium, the restaurant is not exaggerating. The steak cut like butter and was the perfect melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
The shallot sauce had the slightest tang with a corresponding hint of sweetness. Any leftover sauce was great for the thin, crispy French fries on the side. Overall, it was a fantastic dish.
Creme Brulee and Tarte Aux Pommes, a La Mode: $9 each
What is the point of going out with others if you don’t share desserts? The creme brulee is generally a must at a French restaurant and this one did not disappoint.
The custard itself was rich and creamy, and a little on the looser side. The crunchy caramel top paired perfectly. Readers, I want to know, is there anything more satisfying than breaking a beautifully torched sugar layer?
In regards to the apple tart, what stood out to me the most was the top crust. There was a beautiful crisscross of a very thick, wonderfully soft crust. The apples were thinly sliced and seasoned with sugar and cinnamon. It was paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a strawberry.
JT’s Grubby Conclusion:
With just one more week left in the Paris Olympics, why wait?
You can find out more about Cafe du Soleil — HERE.
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I will never understand the appeal of this place. Maybe the bar scene – there’s a crowd of regulars that’s pretty lively and loud (contrary to what the article claims), but the food? Mediocre at best. I live a couple of blocks away and wish it were better, but no. Every couple of years I go back, hoping for improvement, just to be disappointed again.
I love love love Cafe Du Soleil. I adore the lively atmosphere and the casual neighborhood vibe, plus the food is amazing. The service has always been warm and friendly, which as we know, is such a crucial element in and of itself — it gives Cafe du Soleil that elusive “it” factor that makes you want to come back. We’ve never failed to have a wonderful evening there, whether we met friends or it was just us (i.e., a couple). So happy to see my local favorite spotlighted 🙂
Love this place!
Pour moi ce restaurant est comme ci comme ça.
I do like the frites! But the noise inside is practically ear piercing. When asked to turned it down the waiters scuffed and said they like it that way!
I love Du Soleil. I live two blocks away and it’s hands down the best in the neighborhood. The food is top notch (I’ve been eating here for 15 years), the atmosphere is warm and cheery and a great hang out for regulars, and the staff is the best. I’m welcomed like a friend every time. Great experiences.
Not too loud? You must be hard of hearing!! I’ve been a few times and will never go back. If it’s not loud with conversation, they play music way too loud. Also, as the person before me wrote…the food is mediocre at best!
Tear down the rat-infested street shed. What an eyesore.
My male partner, Glen, and all my friends, were frequent visitors. One early Sunday, my partner and I went for Breakfast. We were alone and treated by a waitress of color who totally ignored us: NO COFFEE, NO REQUESTS. New People came in next to us. were served and left! I had to beg for service. I was served a PLASTIC looking egg dish and were totally humiliated. We are and were Upper West Side Blessings and always a tribute to our Community, and NEVER RETURNED TO THIS HUMILIATION AGAIN! I filed a complaint and received NOTHING as a REPLY! WHY this Happened: Who KNOWS! BUT, IT DID!! I WILL NEVER RETURN!! AGAIN: WHO CARES? PETER
Your experience is not uncommon. Food is mediocre. Service is awful. Place is a dump.
We love Du Soleil. They are particularly good for accommodating large groups on last minute notice. One concern: their lobby seems to contain what appears to be a decommissioned toilet. I’ve generally found this to detract from the otherwise welcoming entrance.
Gazpacho is not French cuisine by any measure, and French restaurants do not serve Gazpacho. The only thing French about this restaurant is the name.
good grief, too loud, fair food at best. Nice-Matan so much better