Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe - French for the casual crowd

November 9, 3:22 PMMilwaukee Ethnic Restaurants ExaminerChristin Logarakis

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Agneau Roti - roasted Lamb sandwich with oven dried tomatoes, Romaine and Aioli on a French Baguette

C. Logarakis

Le Reve is an unpretentious, well-appointed place on Harwood Avenue in Wauwatosa. As you walk in, make sure to note the specials of the day written on the chalkboard. The entire front wall is made up of windows, so the place is well-lit and has a nice view of people and cars going by. You can come for a coffee or French hot chocolate and a pastry, or for a meal, complete with a nice wine selection and many craft beers. The servings are generous without being overwhelming.

The beet salad, with warm Chevre, toasted Pecans and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a definite winner, as is the Confit de Canard - the duck confit crepe. It has goat cheese, caramalized onions and duck, all swimming in a port wine reduction.

For those unfamiliar with French cuisine, you've come to the right place. The waitstaff have no problems explaining what everything is, and the menu is in French with English descriptions. There are several sandwiches to choose from, like grilled eggplant or ham and cheese, as well as the formidable roasted lamb sandwich, which is definitely for the heartier appetite. The Pommes Frites (French fries) are first rate.

If the soup du jour is the pureed Parsnip, by all means order it. It's creamy and rich with a mild, carrot-like flavor.

In the mood for a tart? The Brie, Apricot and Pecan is amazing. The Apricot is a compote, and the Pecans are crunchy. All the the textures and flavors work together to made an excellent, decadent and addicting dish.

For Gnocchi lovers, the Parmesan Gnocchi here is a favorite. Home-made pieces of the dumpling are tossed in a coating of Parmesan and then lighty fried, creating a crispy, salty, cheesy crust that gives way to the tender dumpling within. They are some of the best in Milwaukee.

Finish off your meal with a better-than-average cup of coffee, and peruse the bakery case for a sweet treat to eat there or take with you.

Le Reve uses local farmed ingredients and supported agriculture.

For More Information:

Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe

7610 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wi 53213-2609

Phone: 414.778.3333

Hours: Mon - Thurs 8 AM - 9 PM;  Fri - Sat 8 AM - 10 PM; Sun Closed

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner, Dessert

To-Go: Yes

Reservations: For 6 or more

Special Event Seating: For up to 50, in upstairs mezzanine

Website: www.lerevecafe.com

Twitter: @LeReveCafe

Smoking: No

Parking: street or nearby lot; some metered/timed

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Vegetarian items: Yes

Child-friendly: Yes, but no children's menu