Ok, so we didn’t have a royal-themed brunch after our very-royal slumber party, but we did continue the festivities (and enjoying our day off) with a lovely brunch al fresco.
We hit up Cafe Monte, a local French restaurant. I know, I know…what’s up with me and the French stuff when we’re celebrating the royal wedding, but it’s just where we felt like going. 😉
The weather was perfect for outdoor eating.
We started with a cheese platter. This is actually the first time I’ve ordered a cheese platter at a restaurant. I never order these because as a general guideline when eating at restaurants, I try to order things that I can’t make at home. I feel like anyone can cut a few slices of cheese and stick it on a plate. But, today, with hardly any plans for the rest of the day, we felt like snacking and taking our time. And cheese, especially at a French restaurant, sounded good.
I was glad we did end up ordering that cheese platter.
The plate had:
- French baguette
- grapes
- candied walnuts
- gouda
- brie
- a sweet walnut cheese
- and another creamy cheese – not sure what it was
Everything was delicious. And what I learned was…although you can make a cheese platter at home, sometimes it’s worth ordering something so simple to learn about new cheeses you like or even just to enjoy the flavors with friends at a special brunch.
I also learned that the best way to eat the walnut cheese was to place some of the cheese on a piece of baguette and top it with a piece of candied walnut. Yum!
Since we were at a French restaurant, I decided to order the French onion soup.
As expected, it was really tasty.
And Erica and I split the French dip. I loved the real roasted beef (not deli meat) and the gooey cheese on top. The pommes frite were pretty tasty, too.
My dessert – a cafe au lait. Perfection in the form of frothed milk. It was so nice sitting back, enjoying the weather and the company, and just relaxing.
And before I move on, I must mention that the service at Cafe Monte was impeccable. Definitely go there if you want to be taken care of well.
After brunch, Erica and I went shopping! I found some super cute stuff, including a very fun hat that I can’t wait to rock out.
And we found a really fab hair piece that was too expensive to buy on an impulse…but I may go back to pick up one day. 😉
And to cap off the royal day, we did Zumba in royal themed accessories. 😉 lol
What did you think of all the crazy hats at the royal wedding? Do you think the trend will catch on where you live?
Brunch itself always sounds so classy and posh to me. Maybe that’s why I love it so much? And as far as “royal” hats go, I could totally get used to wearing fascinators. I mean, Blair from GG basically has the headband trend down, so I say we kick it up a notch! 🙂
I thought the hats were so ridiculous, but of course it’s tradition! But I see that you’re the real princess 🙂
Your French-themed brunch looks amazing! I agree, I never order cheese plates at restaurants, but I think the idea of a cheese plate and wine is so sophisticated. I’ll definitely have to try that sometime.
Yea, I never wanted to before, but now I can see the value – trying new cheeses and just to enjoy it. 🙂
I love Cafe Monte!!! It has been way too long since I’ve been there, and I’ve been meaning to go back again. At first I wasn’t into the whole Royal Wedding, but I totally got sucked into it all. Kate is so stunning. I’ve always admired her style.
that french dip looks amazing!!!!!