Revisited Cafe Normandie in North Naples

Posted byXsivjoshPosted inUncategorized

We had plans with Jay and Paula last week with no reservations as yet. I asked if they’d been to Cafe Normandie as yet and they said no, but wanted to try it.

Somewhere I’d seen a local ad claiming to have morel mushrooms this week. “Morels!” My brain screamed. It must be season. I don’t want them. I NEED them! And who should make the best morel dishes? Why…French people, of course.

So I called Normandie the day before and asked Sandie if they could do a morel dish. “Of course, if we can find zem.” (A little French, for your reading delight.)

Chef really went to town on this appetizer. Zee morels were baked In and around a beautiful puff pastry. The dish contained sweetbreads, asparagus and a bechamel sauce. I was in hog heaven. Paula picked out her sweetbreads and disposed of them on my plate. Just a little bit more heaven for me.

When we got to Normandie Sandie gave me a wink and said “We got you morels. Zee chef has made you a very nice dish.” Big smile from me!

Jay and I shared this beet and goat cheese salad. All of their salads are large enough to share and beautifully composed.
Barb and Paula shared this hearts of palm salad. Poifect!
I chose something I’ve never had at this restaurant. I ordered the Herb Roasted chicken. It was wonderfully prepared and served with my favorite side: Potatoes au gratin. Yum!
Barb ordered her favorite house dish, the Sautéed Frog’s legs with a bunch of veggies. As always she was thrilled.
Paula had one of the night’s specials: Sole baked with rice and veggies. She was very pleased.
Jay ordered Lamb chops medium. My small taste was quite delicious, but well past rare, which is the equivalent of well done for me. He also loved his potatoes au gratin.

We left no room for dessert. That was a bit disappointing, since I had brought a split of Sauternes to pair with their lucious Tarte Tatin. Such is life. I’ll be back there when we return next October.
if you’re in town for the summer get over to Normandie for a taste of real French food at reasonable prices with a wonderful bistro feel.

PS: I believe the corkage fee is $25. Bring your good stuff. Jay brought a 2000 Grand cru Bordeaux. I brought a 2018 Kirkland premier cru Chablis which everyone agreed was both delicious and a very good choice.
If you ever see the Chablis at Costco buy a case of it and enjoy.

3 thoughts on “Revisited Cafe Normandie in North Naples”

  1. The app looked wonderful! The entrees looked great. Your friend Jay should be beaten savagely for doing that to lamb chops!

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