Living Better Food & Drink: Fave Find Restaurant - The French Press
/
Brunch at The French Press Restaurant, Lafayette, LA, USA
If you visit Louisiana you should know that Drew Brees and Sunday go together like cafe and au lait, or boudin and hot. If you visit Lafayette, LA, you can put those ingredients together and enjoy one of the best brunches in the South, or anywhere for that matter!
How, you ask, does a quarterback and brunch become an equation? It happens when you try the Sweet Baby Bressus sliders, named after that New Orleans Saints quarterback, found at The French Press. Besides being saddled with a unique moniker this is just one of the tasty, Louisiana inspired dishes you’ll find at this must-try restaurant. If you’re looking for a unique, delicious brunch you’ve just found it.
Louisiana loves their New Orleans Saints playing on National Football League Sundays as well as a big Southern breakfasts. But you may want to choose a Sunday when the Saints are playing on the East coast or during the off-season because getting into this popular brunch may not… and should not be a rushed affair. Or, go for lunch or breakfast, Tuesday through Saturday, when you aren’t worried about kickoff time. (LSU Tiger football notwithstanding.) Unfortunately, the French Press isn’t open for dinner.
Its industrial chic interior is a part of the former Tribune Printing Plant, a Lafayette landmark, which opened in 1928.
Lining the walls are vintage trays and relics from the bygone days of local printing presses. The intriguing, but small, cocktail bar is formed from a crosshatch of large steel girders. And speaking of alcohol, the craft cocktails, bloody marys and multiple mimosa choices are as equally charming as the interior.
Chef Justin Girouard, a multiple James Beard finalist, spent years cooking at Stella!, a now-closed fabulous New Orleans restaurant before bringing his well-honed talent to The French Press. You can checkout the menu on their Facebook page here. Be sure to arrive early for brunch, it’s that popular. Service can get a bit sketchy during high traffic times but it’s worth the wait in my book.
My favorite dish is the the, aforementioned, Sweet Baby Breesus. The full dish comes with three small buttermilk biscuit sliders. Encased within is a fried boudin patty, topped with bacon, and drizzled with a touch of Steen's cane syrup. You have your choice of breakfast potatoes or cheddar grits. By all means, go with the cheddar grits! The French Press has stepped up their cheddar grits game. In years past I found the cheese grits bland. Whatever cheese they’re now using has converted the dish to the perfect blend of gooey grit cheesiness. For my non-southern readers, if you need a definition of grits, see the iconic explanation from the movie My Cousin Vinny.
The menu is traditional Southern U.S. with a French twist nodding to the chef’s French training and Cajun Louisiana’s Francophile roots. There are many menu standouts, but my other faves are the Eggs Benedict and croissant breakfast sandwiches. Must have sides include the truffle fries and the heavenly praline bacon - an exquisite combo of savory and sweet I order at every brunch. The shrimp and avocado salad with Remoulade dressing is my favorite weekday lunch dish. There are so many dishes I want to try - the Croque Monsieur, Grits, and Grillades, Cream Cheese and Banana Stuffed French Toast or Chicken and Waffles. And, I’ve yet to order the Couillon Burger since they dare you to finish the 1/2 pound behemoth - but I will if someone will split it with me so I can still order a single Breesus and a side of praline bacon with my French 75 cocktail. For the Cajun definition of couillon and other colloquialisms check out this regional dictionary.
Just writing this review has my mouth watering. Here at LIVING BETTER by laura its all about health. You could argue whether this food is good for your health - but it is good for your soul.
LIVING BETTER also means feeding your soul and that’s good for health and well-being - good food, good friends, good life.
If you’ve been to The French Press share your thoughts in the Comment Section below. And, add your favorite brunch places and dishes too! Post a photo too.
Spread your support of good food by sharing on social media.
