Chloe's French Cafe - Santa Rosa

3853 Airway Drive, Suite 145, Santa Rosa CA 95403
(707) 528-3095
Parking: In parking lot
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.chloesco.com/

Last Visited: May 15, 2009

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$

Chloe’s has become a hidden treasure in Santa Rosa and word is starting to get out. Holly recommended it to me as a must try. Located behind the Sutter clinic, the small café offers outdoor and indoor seating. The menu is located behind the counter and you can see offerings including breakfast, salads, soups and cold and grilled sandwiches offered along with various coffee drinks and baked goods in the glass case.

Between Wednesday and Friday, there are also plates of the day featuring French regional specialties. About once a month, Chloe’s is open for dinner by reservation only where folks can sit family style and enjoy a prix fixe menu with three courses and share wine with one another.

It’s a family affair with Marc, Alain, and Renee Pisan. Alain and Renee, a husband and wife team, do a great job keeping the quality high and the food fresh. All of the dishes that I saw looked quite appetizing and the vegetables were super fresh. Upon arriving, one orders at the counter and pays for food. You are then given a number which you take to the table and there is a beverage station where you can stop and get your iced tea, sodas, etc. Fresh slices of orange and lemon are available and are mentioned here because it seems rare to see orange slices around a beverage stand. I didn’t even ask for water and was given a glass – this anticipation of needs is greatly appreciated and seems hard to find these days.

Today, I tried one of the grilled sandwiches.

- Saucisson – French salami, mezzo secco cheese, ham, and swiss are served on a grilled French baguette with a touch of grain mustard and a side of balsamic dipping sauce. Also on the side is a small serving of sweet pickles. A bit dry near the end, it’s fitting to have the dipping sauce to provide a balance against the salt in the meat. The bread is crusty and good. Next time, I will order a side salad to accompany the sandwich. $8.50

I enjoyed my sandwich outside under the umbrellas sheltering us from the heat and it was a great way to enjoy some time with friends. A great stop on a weekday. I look forward to trying one of their special evening dinners.