Café Moustache- CLOSED

Ashli Michelle Houston Restaurant Reviews 1

Enter Café Moustache and you enter atmosphere heaven… Bottles of wine line the burgundy painted walls, with exquisite lighting along the bar. With the sound of French music playing throughout, one can’t deny this restaurant is hopelessly romantic.

What was previously SoVino Wine Bar, has been reopened by the same owners, Manfred Jachmich and Elizabeth Abraham. They have described Café Moustache as “French Country-Comfort food with a twist.”

After being seated at the bar, I was greeted promptly and given a Happy Hour menu, as well as a regular menu listing dinner. I could hear different servers speaking French to one another, which I find oh so exciting. I took French long enough in high school to recite the alphabet. True story… Really.

I decided to start with a cheese plate, to accent my glass of Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio. This is the only item I ordered which is not on the Happy Hour menu.

The French 3 Cheese Platter consists of French cheeses, Lingonberry preserves, apples, grapes, almonds & baguette. I took my glass of wine & cheese appetizer to a table outside… Oh, how I heart the bright blue décor on the quaint little patio at Café Moustache.

Happy Hour, with $4 Bar Bites, is one of the best I’ve seen. There are so many choices that are suitable for AVH.

The Cured Salmon Profiteroles are filled with Crème Fraiche & Chives… Truly delicious. I still can’t believe the quality of food offered for only $4. Even more so, I can’t believe I’m excited about salmon.

The Truffle Mushroom Risotto is my favorite. I ate every bite! The risotto was cooked to perfection, leaving me wanting more, more, more!

For those duck fans, um, eww, the Happy Hour menu offers Pâté de Campagne, which is duck cognac pâté, cornichons & assorted mustards. Yikes.

The Margharita Pizza crust is cooked thin & crunchy, topped with thick slices of juicy tomatoes & just enough cheese. Another choice on the Happy Hour menu is a thin crust pizza with goat cheese, arugula & mushrooms.

Truffle is another one of the great words in life… Kind of like dollop & Master Chef Bob. Truffle just makes me feel good… The Truffle Fries are topped with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano & mayonnaise.

There are two other items on the Happy Hour menu that I have yet to taste… The Moules Mariniere consists of mussels in white wine & garlic. Last, but definitely not least… Spicy Deviled Eggs.

After stopping by Sunday to take a cloud picture of Café Moustache, I decided to stay for brunch. While looking over the menu, a gentleman with the most beautiful accent began walking towards me. He had just greeted customers at the door, as well as walking around speaking to guests in the dining room.

As he approached me, he introduced himself and asked how I was doing. This would be the owner, Manfred Jachmich… You may ask yourself, “Is Ashli somewhat exhausted from the excitement of meeting Manfred the French restaurant owner?” Um, Yes…. That would be a Double Yes. Needless to say… Sil Vous Plait et Merci.

I started with the Salade Maison which consists of mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions, goat cheese & French vinaigrette. I kept thinking I should ask for a side of pecans because… I heart pecans.

The other choice is Escargots de Bourgogne which consists of sautéed snails with garlic & parsley butter. They also offer Soup du Jour, which reminds me of a really pitiful story.

I was fired from a restaurant in my hometown during high school. I was waiting tables for the first time and someone asked, “What is the soup of the day?” My reply, “Soup du Jour.” No, that didn’t go over well with the owner. I was only in tenth grade. How was I supposed to know? I deserved a Wouch that day. Moving right along…

For my main dish, I ordered the Truite Meunjiere which consists of rainbow Trout sautéed with butter, parsley & lemon juice. This entree is served with roasted potatoes & sautéed green beans.

There is one other option on the brunch menu for AVH people…. The Eggs Florentine consists of a toasted muffin, spinach, artichoke, poached eggs & hollandaise sauce.

For dessert, I decided to go with my server’s recommendation… The Crepe Foret Noir consists of sour cherries, whipped cream & chocolate sauce.

Other desserts are Crepe Melba, which consists of peaches, whipped cream & almonds. They also offer Crepe Banana Chocolate, which consists of chocolate pudding, bananas, whipped cream & chocolate sauce.

Café Moustache is a hit with me… Affordable quality food with the right atmosphere… without the wrong pretentious crowd.