La Madeleine Cafe: Redesigned & Mom-Friendly

It’s not often that I get to slip away and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You know….the kind without a toddler, without a sippy cup, and without watching the clock. I have to say that this past Friday was one of the most enjoyable breakfasts I have had in a long time. Of course if you are surrounded by amazing French pastries, modern French Country decor, and a gentleman with the most amazing French accent, it’s pretty easy to have an incredible morning. No, my husband didn’t learn French… I was at an exclusive blogger event at one of my favorite restaurants, La Madeleine.

My husband and I often find ourselves sitting in La Madeleine with our daughter.  With a toddler, it’s an ideal place for us.  I love that they provide crayons to entertain her while her Daddy goes and orders our food.  But what I find most appealing (other than the most tasteful Tomato Basil Soupe ever created), is that there are no waiters to come by and make us feel like we need to rush.  You are more than welcome to stay as long as you like……and with a two-year old (or a good group of girlfriends), nothing could be better.

Getting back to Friday, you can certainly understand why it didn’t take much for me to say YES to an event at La Madeleine.  I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew one thing was certain…..Great Food! Now some of you not from Texas may be wondering where La Madeleine is located.  They have 60 cafes in Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana.

I had the extreme privilege of visiting the newly re-opened La Madeleine cafe at Preston and Forest in Dallas.  I was one of just two local bloggers who attended this event with none other than the Chief Operating Officer, Philip Costner, and the founder, Patrick Esquerre.  They were clearly excited to show us the new redesign of the cafe and talk to us about their vision.  They wanted us to experience everything for ourselves and then they really listened to what we thought about the changes they made. 

How often do you get a chance to sit across the table from a COO and founder?  They listened.  I was impressed…..not only with the look and feel of  the cafe, but with the willingness of the “top people” to sit down with bloggers, moms, friends, customers.

While this is the first redesigned cafe, this is just the first of hopefully many.  Here are the new features, many of which won me over by being MOM-FRIENDLY:

• New Decor: Before I ever stood up to tour the cafe, I immediately noticed the new decor.  While I have always loved the look and feel of the cafe, this felt more like home to me.  Modern.  Contemporary.  But still holding true to the French Country we love.
• Menu Boards: Signs above the cashiers show the menu offerings with pictures as well.  While you can still find the paper menus, there is no need anymore.  Mom-Friendly!
• Central Ordering Point:  Instead of grabbing a tray and moving through the line, you stay at one main ordering station.  You’ll order and pay at the same location.  Mom-Friendly! 
• Food Delivery to Tables:  All orders will be delivered to the tables.  Mom-Friendly a million times over.  With a stroller, it was so difficult to push the stroller, hold a tray, grab food, and pay the cashier.  No more!  Thanks, La Madeleine!
• Kitchen Upgrades - You’ll notice a lot of stainless steel now……it looks like a state of the art bakery behind the counter.  I didn’t immediately see the old rotisserie chickens turning like I’m used to seeing.  I asked and was told they’ve found a way to make the  Chicken in the oven. They are innovative.

After touring the cafe, I enjoyed my coffee and Country French Breakfast (farm-fresh scrambled eggs, served with signature Potato Galette, crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, and a fresh-baked croissant).  While eating, Heather, who blogs over at  Heather Bakes, and I enjoyed listening to founder Patrick Esquerre.  With the most wonderful French accent, he explained that COO Costner brought him back to La Madeleine as a Special Advisor.  Smart move……you can tell that Esquerre just has a heart for the company he created from the ground up.

Highlight of the morning…..I was able to get Esquerre to divulge the ingredients of their famous Tomato Basil Soupe, my favorite soup in the entire world.  Before I got too excited though, he advised there was a certain twist or secret to the tomatoes, and that he wouldn’t share.  Sigh!

It was a delightful morning, made even more delightful with a personal demonstration from Susan Dederen.  She skillfully showed Heather and I how to make the famous (and trust me when I say delicious) Almond Croissants and Chocolate Almond Croissants.  She even sent them home with us……sad to say, they are all gone now.  Didn’t make it too long in this house.  Delicious.

Thank you La Madeleine for the amazing opportunity to talk with you and EAT!  Merci!

Be sure to Become a Facebook Fan and Follow La Madeleine Cafe on Twitter.
FREEBIE ALERT: Sign up for their e-club and get a coupon for a Free petite salad or cup of soupe and also a Free Pastry on your Birthday!

*Disclosure:  I had the privilege to attend this event with La Madeleine executives and staff.  They did provide a complimentary breakfast, box of Almond Croissants, and bag of La Madeleine (love the soupe)!! La Madeleine did not require anything from me in exchange for the benefits I received. This post is written 100% by me (A Frugal Friend) and all opinions are mine.