I was very lucky recently to have a chance to dine with some wonderful fellow DFW bloggers as we learned about Mimi’s Cafe – and their all new Menu! We were joined as well, by some wonderful creative thinkers over at Mimi’s Cafe, including Phil Costner President of Mimi’s Cafe as well as executive chef (Kathyrn Sutton) who recently created an all new menu at Mimi’s Cafe.
The idea behind the new menu, was Mimi’s Cafe getting back to their roots. Really embracing the French Inspired, chef led food they are known for.
And boy, have they done that!
I had never been to a Mimi’s Cafe before – but they are actually a chain with restaurants all over the country. Think casual, but special. Their prices are pretty analogous to a Chili’s or TGI Friday’s – but the food is prepared fresh, sauces in small batches, pasta made to order – and with a beautiful French feel.
Order yourself a glass of wine and go on a short culinary journey on with me…
The Appetizers: I got to try some of all the dishes you see pictured above, and I can tell you I liked every single one! But two were total stand outs for me.
Mussels à la Mimi’s – mussels steamed in white wine, garlic & fresh herbs. I don’t even like mussels, but the broth was so divine that each soak of the bread in it, along with one perfect mussel was heaven! I would order mussels again – but only here!
The other appetizer that I especially loved was the Artisan Baked Brie! Warm, and bubbly brie with French baguette croutons, tart apple slices and apricot chutney. Read that again.
Are you drooling too?
The Ambiance: I think Mimi’s Cafe would be the perfect place for a girls night out, or a date night! It’s completely elegant, yet totally casual and un-intimidating. It has wonderful table seating that allows you to see and talk with everyone in a larger group or semi- private booth seating like above, that would be totally romantic on a first date!
Mimi’s Spécialités: Clockwise the entrees I tasted are Coq au Vin, Saint-Malo Pasta, Pasta Carbonara a La Mimi’s, and the 1129 Noveau Sandwhich. While they were all deelish, I once again fell in love with two in particular.
Again with the mussels! The Saint-Malo Pasta –Mussels and fresh linguine topped with a spicy pomodoro sauce had just the perfect amount of bite for me! The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was the best pomodoro I’ve ever tasted.I was also surprised how much I enjoyed the vegetarian sandwich –1129 Noveau. The bun is a freshly baked, multigrain croissant. And it’s layered with cream cheese, Kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, avocado, tomatoes, English cucumbers and mixed greens! Truly satiating. And really unique flavors.
Want to know if there is a Mimi’s Cafe near you?
What do I recommend? The next time I go to Mimi’s Cafe (and there will most definitely be a next time!) I would order a glass of white wine to sip while I looked over the appetizer menu. But that would just be for fun, because I would already know that I had to order the tart & sweet Artisan Baked Brie! Next, I’d be hard pressed to pick an entree from so many, but I feel fairly sure I’d get the Saint-Malo Pasta again. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauce is perfect for dipping french bread in!
Many thanks to Mimi’s Cafe for the preview of their new menu!
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
You can find Shannon on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and her new favorite place to hang out, Google+.
Yum! Mimi’s is always a favorite place to go!!!
@Debra @ A Frugal Friend, It is for me now too Debra! Just wish I’d discovered it earlier!
Looks like you had a great time! I have never been there.
@Not So Average Mama, I’d never been there before this particular trip – if you have a Mimi’s near you I highly suggest it. SUCH good food!
I haven’t been and based on your photos, I think I should visit soon. Everything looks yummy!
I love Mimi’s! I used to go alllll the time in California – there’s not one super close to me here so I rarely get the chance to eat there anymore. 🙁
The baked brie was definitely my favorite. So yummy!
Just wondering if they will ever come to New Jersey?? Deptford is an every growing beautiful area around the Deptford Mall where everyone goes to shop. So many New buildings going up and none of them is a Mimi’s café. Please tell me you will be coming to this area… About the only time I get to go there is when I go to my parents home in Greensboro N.C. and I miss it.
Karen