Upper Crust

French Crust Bistro & Cafe

1801 Elm St., across from Findlay Market

Hours:

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday & Friday, 11 a.m. –8 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8pm

Call for reservations at (513) 455-3720. More information at www.frenchcrustcafe.com.

When you walk into French Crust, you are greeted by a tiny Jean-Robert, which tells you everything you need to know – you’ll have an excellent meal served with a dash of whimsy.

Along with French classics and Cincinnati favorites, French Crust includes a case full of Jean-Robert’s salt and pepper figurines and a wall of cookbooks. These, as much as strong coffee and delicious pastries, encourage you to linger.

“Bienvenue” from Jean-Robert.

Strong coffee and inspired mimosas.

The eggs Benedict, with tomato and spinach on brioche.

The “omelette du jour” with spring vegetables.

The salmon and steak “casseroles.”

A chocolate-domes tart.

Enjoy a look at Jean-Robert’s collection of salt and pepper shakers.

A chef for a chef!

It’s a like a day trip to a Parisian pâtissière.

Pastries, to enjoy there or take home. Or both.

Desserts including tarts, creme brulee, and pot de creme.

Since it’s brunch, start with your choice of mimosa – including a delightful creme de violette version.

But the food is the real centerpiece. The “omelette du jour” is made with seasonal vegetables and fresh eggs cooked to delicate perfection. The eggs Benedict is vegetarian, with spinach and tomatoes served over brioche, a definite improvement over English muffins.

If you are looking more for the lunch part of brunch, have one of the hearty casseroles “Le Creuset.” The salmon, with tomato, corn, shiitake mushrooms, and wild rice is served with a light and creamy lemon sauce. The steak casserole is dinner plate of red potatoes, carrots, peas, and zucchini with demi-glace.

Even if you can’t eat another bite, don’t miss the chance to have one Jean Phillipe Solnom’s incredible pastries – take home dessert or breakfast for the next day. You can’t go wrong with the pain au chocolate and almond croissant. For true decadence, try one of the tarts topped with mousse.

French Crust describes itself as “a little piece of Paris, tucked away in Over-the-Rhine,” and with brunch you’ll feel like you’re settling in for a leisurely meal on the Left Bank, even if you just stop in for a Sunday afternoon.