Brunch had been on my mind since pulling together a list of ten of the best brunch offerings in Broward and Palm Beach counties. (Look for the list to post to Clean Plate Charlie within the week.) But instead of heading to one of the tried-and-true destinations, I chose Saturday brunch as an excuse to check out the recently-opened Cafe Auribeau in downtown Boca Raton. Located on SE 1st Avenue a block from Federal Highway, the petite French bistro is also within spitting distance of the Boca Raton GreenMarket, another errand on the Saturday list.
We attempted to sit on the outdoor patio, but a strong mid-morning breeze and a poorly-secured canvas side led to a series of unsettling metallic crashes that cut directly to the spot in my brain that had consumed too many glasses of $3 wine the previous night. After about ten minutes, we decided to move inside. This was easy enough to do; we were the only patrons, save for one other couple, cuddled up together in the corner of a bench seat that runs the length of the wall.
A nearly-empty restaurant typically makes me uncomfortable, but in this case, it was a nice change of pace. My usual weekend breakfast go-to, the nearby Saquella Cafe in Royal Palm Place, is seldom without a wait. Cafe Auribeau's hidden confines -- and presently minimal web presence -- may be contributing to a slow weekend brunch hour, but the food is worth a detour.
French toast ($11, and pictured above) is two slices of thick-cut challah crusted in slivered almonds and smothered with a triple-berry compote. My "fine herbs" omelet ($9) was loaded with freshly-chopped chives, tarragon, and dill and served with a side salad. Other brunch meals include banana buttermilk pancakes ($11), grilled salmon salad Nicoise ($16), and homemade granola with fruit and yogurt ($10).
The dinner menu includes choices like grilled lamb chops ($28), Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous ($22), and coq au vin ($18), among other dishes. Wine is available.
A nearly-empty restaurant typically makes me uncomfortable, but in this case, it was a nice change of pace. My usual weekend breakfast go-to, the nearby Saquella Cafe in Royal Palm Place, is seldom without a wait. Cafe Auribeau's hidden confines -- and presently minimal web presence -- may be contributing to a slow weekend brunch hour, but the food is worth a detour.
French toast ($11, and pictured above) is two slices of thick-cut challah crusted in slivered almonds and smothered with a triple-berry compote. My "fine herbs" omelet ($9) was loaded with freshly-chopped chives, tarragon, and dill and served with a side salad. Other brunch meals include banana buttermilk pancakes ($11), grilled salmon salad Nicoise ($16), and homemade granola with fruit and yogurt ($10).
The dinner menu includes choices like grilled lamb chops ($28), Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous ($22), and coq au vin ($18), among other dishes. Wine is available.
Cafe Auribeau is located at 209 SE 1st Avenue, Boca Raton. Call 561-417-6790.
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