It’s been a while since I last visited Antoine’s Cafe but when I entered its doors, nothing has changed. It is the same welcoming place I remembered. I think it is better to go during the week rather than the weekends because of the crowds who gather here, especially on a gorgeous day.
The interior is quaint and cozy and I like its European feel with wooden booths and some tables outside. There is also counter seating which is nice if you are dining alone.
The Eggs Benedict ($10.95 always catches my eye but I had that on my previous visit and while it was one of the better ones I’ve had — runny egg yolks, and very traditional, I really wanted to try their lunch selections on this visit.
We both started off with a cup of French onion soup ($2.95) which is something I always order if I see it on the menu. I don’t know what it is but I am a little obsessed with French onion soup. The version here arrives with a thick cheesy topping which I like very much, but the broth itself was a little thin in flavor and consistency.
My friend orders the Croque Monsieur ($9.95) which is definitely the right choice. The sandwich is stuffed with ham which has been first placed on the grill for a few seconds to give it that little bit of color. I actually like it this way. In fact, I prefer that over cold ham in my sandwich any day. The cheese is melted and oozing inside and out. We both enjoy this very much.
When it came to my selection I asked our server which she’d recommend, the patty melt or the tuna melt and she suggests the Albacore Tuna melt ($8.95).A big portion of nicely buttered and toasted bread encases the tuna salad and cheddar cheese. It looked like it was a stunner but was on the bland side and also a little dry. Both of us felt it was not seasoned either. I add a little salt to it and it was better.
All sandwiches are served with a side of sliced pickles which I don’t ordinarily like, because they tend to be limp and on the sweet side, but this one still retains a crunch and is salty. I definitely liked it.
The atmosphere is what I like most about Antoine’s and when I come next I will again order something new. I am determined to try everything on the menu.
Antoine’s Cafe
218 S El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Tel: 949-492-1763
Oh Boy!
Tha Eggs Benadict (one of my fav’s) looks Yummy!
their Eggs Benedict is pretty damn good!!
albacore tuna melt looks awesome!
ack! my parents actually live like 5 minutes from there. just bookmarked and will take my parents down there. haha
actually the tuna melt was a little dry, I’ve been several times and I honestly like their breakfast fare a lot better. love the coziness though. weekends are really busy so prepare to wait