JACQUES' FRENCH CAFE

Paris without the attitude…sometimes

IN THE SHADOW of the Allen Bradley/Rockwell International Clock Tower, much like the many bars and bistros on side streets near the Eifel Tower, is a real touch of France.

“It’s Paris without the attitude…sometimes” is the way owner and chef Jacques Chaumet describes Jacques' French Cafe & Deli at 1101 S. 2nd St.

A native of Montpellier in the south of France, Jacques came to the U.S. in 1993 and started his café in 2001. He describes his bar area as typical of a place you would find in the French countryside, with its distressed wood floor. The adjacent dining area is more typical of spots in Paris. And, on the sunny days, Jacques brings out umbrellas and tables for sidewalk service.

Like both rural and urban restaurants in France, Jacques offers lunch and weekend dinner specialties that use the freshest ingredients, prepared with a distinctive flair. In keeping with the tendency of the French to rise a little later than Americans, he even provides 10 a.m. breakfast items such as baked croissants, a Parisian breakfast (croissant, orange juice and coffee), French (what else) toast and quiche (either Lorraine or vegetable) with fruit.

Jacques’ Cafe is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every day, offering customers a menu of regional French selections. Luncheon specials range from a variety of crepes – chicken curry, smoked salmon, carmelized applies and banana Nutella – to distinctively French salads, sandwiches and gourmet plates.

On Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. until closing, the café offers a limited menu of dinner specials, including appetizers that include escargot, and main dishes ranging from veal medallions to sea scallops. On Fridays, he adds a bistro touch as David Robinson singing reggae tunes from his native Jamaica.

The clock tower makes Jacques easy to find and there is always on-street parking near the restaurant. Because the owner of his building has the property for sale, Jacques has had to combat for-sale signs with his own window signs – “Jacques’ is not closed! Our cuisine and service is magnifique’…so come in and enjoy.”

Jacques has seen his business increase this year as many patrons of the popular Degas Sculptures exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum find the café the perfect combination with an afternoon museum visit.

In a city that takes pride in ethnic restaurants that look and feel like counterparts in the old countries, Jacques is among the most authentic. Private parties are welcome, as are take-outs if you call 672-1040 in advance.