Relax & Recharge

Among the glittering sea of corporate owned restaurants with carefully staged interiors located in the Woodlands, Gourmet Café and Bakery, a family owned French bistro, is a small gem offering authentic French food and free Wifi.  Ifel and Yasmina Costa have brought a taste of France to the Woodlands with fresh cuisine, pastries and breads.  This bistro is located at 9950 Woodlands Parkway, nestled in a Sterling Ridge shopping center.  It is open from 6:30-3:30.  The wise diner would arrive early, as the food is prepared when ordered.  The interior is understated, and food is the focus. You will not hear the perfunctory “bon jour” and prerecorded French lessons at this restaurant.  This is an authentic French, family run business serving up a taste of Europe.  

The menu offering has recently been expanded since I last dined there.  On this visit, my friend and I decided to order an early lunch.  I longed to order the Nutella crepes, but decided to order a gourmet breakfast sandwich instead.  It proved to be the perfect choice. I ordered the Texan, a hearty breakfast sandwich filled with applewood bacon, scrambled egg, ham, lettuce and tomato and a Bristot Italian cappuccino.  The Texan was a substantial sandwich with wonderful fresh and savory flavor that left me satisfied and full.  The cappuccino was a perfect blend of froth and espresso at an ideal temperature.  I also ordered a baguette to take home.  The selection of pastries is tempting, and at a fraction of the price of a Paris bakery.  The croissants are flaky little bites of heaven. I'll sample the Nutella crepes on my next visit!

For a perfect lunch date, this petit bijou is worth the short drive down Woodlands Parkway.  Bon appétit!