Last week, I posted about our wonderful visit to Red White & Brew Beer Company in Audubon. Today I am writing about our visit that followed-a very short walk away-to Cafe le Jardin. This excellent French restaurant is owned by the same folks who own June, a French restaurant in Collingswood. We have been wanting to try that restaurant for some time. However, when I read about the brewery and how close they are to Cafe le Jardin, it was a no brainer. It’s hard to beat enjoying craft beer, wine, and French food all in one trip and only a half hour from home!
Cafe le Jardin
Cafe le Jardin is located on West Merchant Street in Audubon. This is the main street in Audubon, with a small town charm and lots of interesting and alluring shops and restaurants. I love that this restaurant is a BYOB (like their other restaurant, June). Typically French restaurants can be a little pricey and if you have to pay $50 or more for a bottle of wine, the meal can be out of reach for many people. In South Jersey we are lucky to have so many fine restaurants where we can bring our own bottles at a fraction of the cost of the restaurant’s choices (and often better than those on their list).
Cafe le Jardin opened in April, 2023. They seat 72 and offer outdoor seating in good weather. You can get breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They source most of their vegetables and seafood locally (South Jersey), while importing cheese and truffles from France.
The Appetizer
My wife and I chose the classic Coquilles St. Jacque as our shared appetizer. It was wonderful-the scallops were small, but tender and sweet, with bits of bacon, tasty toasted croutons, parmesan cheese, and herbs and spices. There was plenty of this rich appetizer to share, as we both enjoyed some fresh warm sourdough bread and butter along with our scoops of this delectable starter.
The Entrees
I chose the Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy) for my entree. Amazing! It was tender and cooked and seasoned to perfection. My Pinot Noir was the perfect accompaniment. My wife chose the Strip steak with fries and also enjoyed her dinner and the Pinot Noir.
Dessert
The grande finale was a sinfully delicious piece of chocolate cake which we shared (pictured below). Incredibly rich, dense, and delicious!
The Wines
I know, I write about New Jersey wines and wineries, but I had this great Pinot Noir from Burgundy that I have been wanting to enjoy so when in France (sort of)…Plus I did bring a bottle of a great NJ white wine from Hawk Haven.
- Hawk Haven Signature Series 2022 Reserve Chardonnay Clone 76 & 95-This is always one of my favorite NJ Chardonnays. It is a delicious, gently oaked version with citrus and tropical fruit. A great pairing with our Coquille St. Jacques.
- Faiveley 2020 Bourgogne Pinot Noir-Since Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy) is made with a sauce utilizing Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region in France, I knew this would be a great choice and it did not disappoint. It also complemented my wife’s steak, though in truth, I would have bet she would have chosen the seafood choice. I always bring a red and a white wine wherever we go.
I highly recommend you check out Cafe le Jardin. Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Terra Nonna Winter 2024
- A Few Lesser Known Grape Varietals
- Saddlehill Vineyard
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