A Bistro Brunch at Petit Robert - C'est Bon!

It’s been a long time coming, but it seems to have finally arrived. No, I’m not just talking about the summer weather – I’m talking about BRUNCH. French brunch, specifically. I’d been meaning to try Petit Robert Bistro (either its Columbus Ave., Kenmore, or  Needham incarnation) ever since I became a Boston resident, as many locals had recommended it for brunch or dinner.

Warm Weather Means Outdoor Dining - Magnifique!

It’s one of the first sunnier weekends in Boston, and my dining companions and I enthusiastically opt for Petit Robert’s sidewalk seating, where we have a prime view of the Saturday dog walkers and their well-groomed pups. We keep our jackets on, but the cappuccinos and lattes are expertly (if not speedily) prepared – of perfect consistency, and warming to boot. Still, a cocktail is almost obligatory for a full brunch experience, and we sample an array. The Orange Sanguin, Petit Maluco, and Bloody Mary are all well balanced and we pass them around the table while we tear crusty, still-warm bread from our generous basket. The Sanguin and Maluca are light and refreshing, with citrus bases, though the Maluco is sadly sans sugar rim, as advertised. The Bloody Mary packs a great horseradish punch.

Main Courses for our Brunch (There is no French word for "brunch.")

Service is leisurely and just as we’re feeling the chill again, our main courses arrive. The brunch menu is surprisingly simple, and diners might just as easily opt for lunch entrees. The prices are reasonable across the board (around $8-$15 for brunch items) – they haven’t changed since 2005, per the owners’ belief in providing a true bistro experience. Their website notes: “In France, a bistro is where blue collar workers go to eat homestyle fare at very modest prices” and Petit Robert’s menu holds up.

Some dishes are more satisfying than others. My omelet with a side of potatoes is a bit too typical to really make an impression, but a friend’s French toast is not only presented beautifully, but egg-y and savory. Everyone wants a second bite. Another favorite is the classic eggs benedict, which one diner describes as “all kinds of good.” The English muffin is toasted (nice touch!) and topped with a well-textured egg, and the sauce is quite creamy. Even the salad on the side is notable, with a light mustard dressing.

Tarte Tatin - Is This Amour?

To really round out our inaugural brunch, I convince my table to partake in a pair of desserts. The chocolate mousse is done well and presented quite beautifully in a glass flute, but the tarte tartine knocks our collective socks off. The apple is so saturated with sugar that it melts on our tongues. Absolutely indulgent. Absolutely delicious. Yum, yum! Or, as the French say: miam, miam!

On my next foray to Petit Robert Bistro, I think I’ll pass on the more “classic” French fare and opt for their patented Burgerdog. The name alone intrigues me. So long as I can find an excuse to pair it with a cocktail and tarte….