Food – Café Monique Showcases Seasonal Summer Menu With French Touch
Food – A quiet afternoon at Café Monique unfolds with an easy rhythm, where every detail—from the décor to the menu—feels thoughtfully aligned with the season. Tucked inside The Manor at the end of a peaceful lane in Friends Colony, the café presents a setting that blends subtle elegance with comfort. Shades of blue and white dominate the space, reflected in the tableware, tiled interiors, and patio seating, creating a calm and cohesive visual experience.
A Menu Shaped by Seasonal Transition
The food offering mirrors this sense of balance, especially as the café transitions into its summer selections. Rather than overwhelming diners with heavy options, the menu focuses on lighter, refreshing dishes suited to warmer days. The approach is not just about ingredients but also about adapting flavors to match the season’s mood.
Chef Maxime Montay draws inspiration from both sides of his family, adding a personal touch to the menu. While the café is named after his maternal grandmother, Monique—whose culinary influence is evident—there are also subtle contributions inspired by his paternal grandmother. This blend of traditions results in a menu that feels both rooted and inventive.
Signature Dishes Reflect Personal Influences
Among the standout offerings is the brioche French toast paired with mango and caramel, a dish that captures the essence of summer while paying homage to classic French techniques. Savoury crepes also feature prominently, with options like ratatouille for vegetarians and a Milanese version filled with grilled chicken, pesto, mascarpone, and Parmesan.
Another notable item is the croque-monsieur, which carries a nostalgic connection for the chef. Prepared with ham, cheese, and a hint of mustard, it reflects a traditional style that reminds him of family meals from his childhood.
Light Plates and New Additions
For those seeking a lighter meal, the café offers a range of sharing plates that are both balanced and flavorful. The mango avocado salad, complemented by homemade honey chili granola and a lime jalapeno dressing, stands out as a refreshing choice. Another option, the Mediterranean chickpea and pepper salad, offers a hearty yet light alternative.
Recent additions to the menu include grilled sandwiches, which have quickly gained popularity. The duck and brie sandwich provides a rich yet well-balanced taste, while the Mediterranean-style Turkish poached eggs offer a comforting yet refined option for brunch or supper.
Desserts Designed for the Season
Desserts at Café Monique continue the theme of seasonal adaptation. The pistachio profiterole is a recommended choice for those who enjoy nutty flavors, while the classic vanilla version paired with warm chocolate sauce remains a reliable favorite.
Interestingly, the café has chosen to delay the full rollout of its summer dessert menu, waiting for mangoes to reach peak quality. This decision highlights the importance placed on ingredient selection and freshness.
One example of this seasonal transformation is the evolution of a popular pastry. Originally made with dark chocolate and raspberry, the dessert has been reimagined for summer using mango and passionfruit. The result is a lighter, smoother profile that retains a hint of acidity while offering a more refreshing finish.
Beverages to Complete the Experience
The beverage menu complements the food with a mix of creative and classic options. Choices like fig latte, mango iced matcha latte, and coconut matcha add a playful twist to summer drinks. For those who prefer something more familiar, an iced coffee with almond milk remains a dependable option.
Overall, Café Monique presents a dining experience that feels carefully curated rather than overly elaborate. By focusing on seasonal ingredients, personal culinary influences, and balanced flavors, it offers a menu that evolves naturally with the changing weather while maintaining a consistent identity.