I'm usually not the guy standing in a line for breakfast. My stomach keeps its own schedule, and…read morewaiting when you're hungry is a special kind of self-inflicted pain. But we heard the buzz about Monsieur Croque in Roma Norte, and we figured we'd test the hype. Our move? We arrived just after opening and walked right to a table, which is the only way to do it here. Don't let the size fool you--it's a small-to-medium spot, but it's a constant revolving door. People flow in, they eat, they flow out, and the line outside starts forming fast. Clearly, this place is the anchor for brunch in the neighborhood.
We went with a holy trinity of items, and every one of them was operating on a level I wasn't ready for.
- The Croissant'wich: The pastry was buttery and held its structure, and the filling wasn't just stuffed in--it was seriously seasoned. It was savory, rich, and exactly what you want from a brunch sandwich.
- The Avocado Toast: I've had more than enough bland avo toast to last a lifetime. This one is different. The bread was robust, the toppings were generous, and the overall flavor profile was precise. They know how to use salt and pepper (and whatever else they're sprinkling on there) without overdoing it.
- The French Toast: It was fluffy, tender, and achieved that rare balance where it was sweet without being syrupy or heavy (they actually use a berry compote rather than syrup). It's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second.
If you're in Roma Norte and need a solid breakfast/brunch that's beyond the usual fare, hit up Monsieur Croque. Go early, grab a coffee, and get ready for a serious meal. The vibe is chill, the service is tight, and the food is pretty tasty.
4/5 stars. If you see me standing in that line next time, you know it's worth the wait.
