While I was preparing for my visit to La Madeleine, I visited their website - www.lamadeleine.com, to learn more about their offerings and nutritional facts. Their website also provides information about catering services which would definitely come in handy for hosting future events.
La Madeleine, oh, the sheer delight. This cozy French bakery and cafe has everything from breakfast to dinner along with snacks to satiate any sweet or savory cravings. I had heard about their unique expertise in authentic French cuisine, so I decided to experience the taste firsthand.
La Madeleine's origin can be traced back to Dallas, Texas - a bit of France down South. Having 86 locations across several states like Texas, Arkansas, Florida and more, this little piece of France has been spreading its culinary love since 2018. I loved learning about their history.
Established in 1983 by Patrick Esquerre who moved from the Loire-Valley region in France, I found myself captivated by his desire to bring his family’s authentic French recipes to America. He began with a simple bakery on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, Texas, and with sheer popularity and success transformed it into a beloved French bistro chain.
What Makes La Madeleine Stand Out?
Their traditional French production methods for their bakery items hold my admiration. When I took my first bite of their freshly baked bread, I knew it was made from scratch. Not from some pre-mixed commercial boxes. This attention to authenticity and detail sets them apart.
The restaurant was a comfortable French experience and it took me back to quaint bakeries and cafes that dot the French countryside. With a cozy fireplace and a patio, I almost forgot I was in the middle of Dallas. What made my experience even more authentic was the seasonal fresh bread and pastries they offer.
There was something that felt surreal about sipping brewed coffee with a flaky croissant, looking at the local crowd bustling around the cafe, making me feel like part of an American brand with a French flair.
The menu at La Madeleine was as diverse as it could get. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner along with snacks. With options ranging from avocado toast to oatmeal for breakfast and sandwiches, salads for lunch and pasta and entrees for dinner, I was spoilt for choice.
- Seasonal Options
- Sandwiches
- Family Meal Bundles
- All-Day Breakfast
- Entrees and French Favorites
- Soups and Salads
- Cafe and Espresso
- Bakery
I also discovered their French Market where packed goods can be purchased. Some of these items include cold-pressed coffee, drinks, jams, sauces and more.
La Madeleine's Bestsellers
Of course, as a visitor, I had to order the bestselling items on the menu to get the best dining experience at the restaurant. Let me list down the dishes that now hold a special place in my food-filled heart.
The homemade pie, an egg with ham, bacon, onion and Swiss custard in a buttery pie crust left me longing for more.
The savory puff pastry with a chicken, Swiss cheese, mushroom and onion filling, covered in a wild mushroom sauce was simply a decadent delight.
My dinner favourite turned out to be a sumptuous glazed salmon fillet accompanied by oven-roasted vegetables and rice Provincial.
I found the restaurant to be extremely family-friendly with a wide variety of kid-friendly menu options including:
- All-Day Breakfast for Kids
- Scrambled Eggs with Bacon
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Yogurt with Blueberries or Strawberries
- Cheese Pizza
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Turkey or Ham Cheddar Croissant
I was pleasantly surprised to see that all the kid's meals come with a packet of juice.
Vegan Options at La Madeleine
Being a vegan myself, I managed to find quite a few delicious vegan options on the menu. The All-Day Breakfast menu offers avocado toast and fresh fruit salad among a few other choices.
The option of customizing some dishes to a vegan’s preference is commendable and I appreciated the understanding and accommodation of the kitchen staff.
Catering Services at La Madeleine
Yes, they do offer catering services with an assortment of buffet-style entrees and baked goods options. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, office meeting, or birthday party, you can easily make your order on their official website. Trust me, their selections won't disappoint!
How Does Online Ordering Work at La Madeleine?
Ordering at La Madeleine is a breeze. I just had to visit their official website, finds the location nearest to me and places my order. It gets delivered right to my doorstep and also offers a convenient pickup option at the cafe. For those who love their delivery apps, they are also on UberEats and GrubHub.
La Madeleine's Operating Hours
The La Madeleine restaurants open up quite early, around 7 am catering to the breakfast crowd and they stay open up to 10 pm. Some branches close a little early at 9 pm, and some extend a bit up to 11 pm.
Pros of Visiting La Madeleine
- Authentic French baked goodies
- A rich heritage which reflects in its taste
- Fresh and from-scratch preparations
- Good vegan options
- User-friendly online ordering and catering service
- Family-friendly ambiance
Cons of Visiting La Madeleine
- Only selected locations for sit-down meals
- Some items could be slightly pricey
- No late-night service
- Limited seats during peak hours