Weekend Entertaining: Bistro Brunch

Relaxing weekends are the perfect times to gather friends and family for home-cooked meals. Take a mini-vacation to Paris with this bistro-inspired menu, which will turn an everyday brunch into a special, memorable occasion.

 

Channel the Parisians’ effortless elegance with a rustic table setting featuring simple, striped linens. Make it personal with handwritten chalkboard place card holders, elevating the atmosphere while maintaining a casual feel. A simple menu of panini and homemade French fries is sure to please guests, keeping the chef in the conversation, not the kitchen.

 

Ham, Cheese and Fried Egg Panini This panini was inspired by the classic French croque madame—a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich served with a fried egg on top. In our version, we grill the sandwiches, then tuck a fried egg inside each one, along with some dressed salad greens. Serve piled on a festive round tray for family-style dining.

French Fries with Homemade Ketchup Homemade ketchup brings bright, natural flavors to the table, but feel free to substitute the store-bought kind — your guests certainly won’t mind. Dress up the presentation by serving them in tumbler glasses lined with parchment paper.

Fall Greens with French Vinaigrette Dijon mustard adds distinctive flavor to this traditional French salad, a perfect accompaniment to any meal. A wooden salad bowl complements the blue and white porcelain dinnerware.

Crepes Suzette Crepes suzette were made famous in elegant Parisian restaurants at the turn of the twentieth century and have become standard French dessert fare. Like the panini, these can be prepared and kept warm on a platter, then passed around the table for guests to help themselves.