Amelie's.

I am a francophile. I always have been. I love the french language, french cooking, french toast, french anything. So, when I found out about the new french bakery in town I was a little excited (truth be told I jumped up and down.) Beau and I made it up there a few weeks back and sampled some of their pastries, which were DELICIOUS, but I fell in love again this past week when I ate lunch there.


Suz and I had a BFF day (more on that later) and I convinced her we should eat at Amelie's, not that it took that much convincing. :)


When you first step into the building, you can't help but immediately press your nose up against the two glass cases full of the most beautiful pastries, macaroons and mini cakes.

Once you stop salivating like Pavlov's dogs, you notice the menu with wonderful things like fresh soups, salads and tartines. Do not be afraid of the french word "tartine"...it is the equivalent of an open sandwich.


Both Suz and I settled on a tartine and a cup of the tomato and crab soup. I ordered the portobello and leek tartine (below), while she had the ham and Gruyere.
Although we were mid sentence when they placed our food in front of us, we didn't speak another syllable until our plates were clean. IT WAS THAT GOOD! I swear, my mouth is watering just thinking about that meal.


*drool*



Sorry, let me get back to the story.
The soup was wonderful and full of unexpected touches. Crab in tomato soup is a bit unusual by itself, but they combined it with lemon zest and capers. The zest added a real brightness and the capers were briny and very well matched with the rest of the soup.

We, of course, also got some sweet treats to-go that were so good we almost got into multiple accidents while Suz tried to shift her car AND eat.

Aside from the wonderfully classic yet creative food, the decor in Amelie's is worth seeing. I suppose it is best described as Parisian Flea Market. Lots of fabulous re-purposed stuff. And, for any of you cooks/bakers out there, you will lust after the main chandelier. It is a collection of stainless steel utensils and totally amazing.


So, moral of the story?
GO! GO NOW...especially since they are open 24x7. Yes, ALL DAY EVERY DAY! Hooray!