Café Francais is one of the most unique places we have ever visited. The Café is located at 801 Signal Mountain Boulevard, just past the Bi-Lo Center (at Mountain Creek Road) on the left coming from Dayton Boulevard.
The Café is owned and operated by the amazing Evelyne Putman. Not only does she own the restaurant, she does everything; personally doing all the shopping the day the food will be prepared, so only the freshest ingredients are used. Reservations are preferred on Friday and Saturday with everyone being served at one seating. If possible, she would like to know ahead of time what you would like so it can be purchased fresh that day.
Walk-ins are welcome during the week, but they have "pot-luck", as some menu items may not be available. She prefers to use never frozen meats. But "pot-luck" or not - you know it is going to be delicious. After she has purchased the ingredients, she heads back to the Café, baking gourmet cakes, pies, breads and pastries, while starting her soups and salads for the evening meal.
When you arrive for dinner, there is Evelyne to greet you and show you to your table, complete with her special homemade Pate, butter and freshly made French bread to munch on while awaiting the arrival of the other guests.
One thing you must know about Café Francais - Evelyne is from France and the French people believe in a relaxing meal, enjoying the music and conversation with other guests. If you are going on Friday or Saturday for a quick meal in hopes of getting in and out, then this is not your place, as you will be staying awhile.
Just to make you fully aware, we arrived at 7:15 PM and completed our dessert at 10:30 p.m.., but we were having such a great time we didn't leave until midnight. During the week, there are fewer courses for dinner, so you are better able to get in and out in a shorter period of time.
The first time we were there, one of the guests played the piano, as did Evelyne, and she even tried her hand at singing. The room is set up with approximately seven or eight tables, all beautifully decorated in shades of pink and burgundy, flowers and candles, with a piano in the corner, where we were entertained by Joe Keck (Friday and Saturday only). In another corner is a sofa, with nearby lamps and chairs.
When Joe takes a break from the piano, French music (Edith Piaff) is played over the sound system. It is really a lovely atmosphere at Café Francais. When Joe plays, Evelyne wants everyone to have a good time and dance.
We had pre-ordered our entrée and appetizer earlier in the day so everything was ready for preparation. There was already a table of six when we arrived, and as we finished our Pate, the other eight guests arrived. Evelyne offered us a choice of Vegetable or French Onion Soup. Wayne chose the Vegetable, having ordered it on another visit, and knew it would be delicious. I ordered the French Onion and felt it was probably the best of any I had tasted.
When we were finished with the soup, we listened to the piano music, watched people dancing, and talked with some of the other guests, while Evelyne was in the kitchen preparing the appetizers and salads. Yes - Evelyne is also the Chef. For our appetizer we, as well as another table, ordered Escargot. We could smell the garlic while it was baking - the aroma was wonderful and the taste was just as wonderful. Shortly after we finished, the salads arrived just as fresh and crisp as we had expected. At this point, we had a long break while the entrees were prepared and Joe entertained us.
When the entrees arrived, they were perfection. Wayne and I both ordered the Coquille St. Jacques, which are scallops in a buttery garlic sauce topped with cheese, served with Potatoes Au Gratin and steamed Cauliflower, Broccoli and Carrots. The guests next to us ordered Lamb Chops and Salmon, and were commenting on how wonderful they were. Evelyne's homemade desserts completed the meal. Our choice was the Pecan Pie with Bourbon - a wise choice.
The menu at Café Francais offers such items as Seafood La Rochelle, Legume Primavera, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Filet Mignon, and Chicken a la King - just to name a few. She also whips up a tasty Chicken Pot Pie. Café Francais is a great place to go for a romantic date, but remember, be prepared to spend the evening.
The food is delicious, but must be prepared in the traditional French way, using very few shortcuts - and Evelyne is doing it all: shopping, baking, greeting, serving, and cooking while chatting with the guests.
Hours are Lunch, Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner is Tuesday-Saturday, 6 p.m. until ?
For a relaxing, leisurely evening, make a reservation at Café Francais and enjoy yourself. It's like going to the home of an old friend for a dinner party and making new friends.
(Janet Wilson is an owner/writer for Chattanooga Dine Out, a website devoted solely to reviewing restaurants in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. For a list of all reviewed restaurants (including the Five Star winners), as well as a complete directory of all area restaurants, visit our website at CHATTANOOGA DINE OUT )