Florette Espresso - CLOSED
A French patisserie in a sea of dumplings.
Overview
Baguettes, fromage, croissants, crêpes — if these are a few of your favourite things, then we may have just found your new favourite spot.
Florette is nestled down Dominion Road, somewhere between your go-to dumpling joint and that noodle place you keep meaning to try. But forget Asia for a minute, because la belle France is calling your name.
From the simple wooden furniture to the art nouveau decorating the walls, this quaint little café is more like something you'd find on the narrow streets of Paris or the cobbled streets of Provence — and that's not by chance.
The owner, Freddy, is originally from the south of France and that heritage is at the heart of his café. Florette was his grandmother's name and on the wall hangs an artwork by his grandfather, who judging from his art can only be described as somewhat naughty.
The food itself is also a little naughty, which is just as it should be — the French love of butter is infamous for good reason. The cabinet is brimming with ever-changing French favourites; croque monsieur, croissants, savoury melts, pain au chocolate, beignets (doughnuts to you and me), tartes and more. Everything is baked fresh that morning for the ultimate crisp-to-dough ratio.
Tear your eyes away from the cabinet and you'll find the menu board, tempting you with filled baguettes, even more filled omelettes, delicious crêpes, fresh juices and coffee. Given that the kitchen is petit, the food philosophy is simple; dishes made before your eyes, using only the freshest ingredients.
Having said that, if you feel as naughty as Freddy's grandad, you can't go past the 'breakfast in bed'. A carved out cob loaf, loaded up with eggs, bacon and cheese, then grilled in the oven. Or if you've been good, go ahead and treat yourself to the salmon omelette stuffed with cream cheese, capers and herbs, then topped with rocket and sundried tomato relish.
Whatever your mood, you'll be welcomed with open arms at Florette. So whether you're catching up for coffee and cake, shouting your amour to a romantic brunch, or taking the kids out for a treat, the answer to your question is oui. Because French is life.