Inside: Mimi's Cooking

Photos:

If you were to glance from your window as you drive west along Pine Ridge Road in Naples, you could swear there was an oversized Claude Monet painting on display.

Flowers and foliage are clustered and confined in a rectangular shape and sway slowly in the morning breeze creating an impressionistic snapshot of beauty in a non-descript corner of Orange Pine Plaza.

“Welcome to my garden,’’ an enthusiastic Marie-Michelle Rey exclaims as you approach the entrance to her newly opened breakfast and lunch restaurant "Mimi's Cooking.’’(Not to be confused with the Mimi’s Café chain which has a location in Fort Myers).

Rey has brought her authentic French savoir-faire to this location and without hesitation greets you in the true French way; with a kiss on both cheeks and a hearty embrace.

"I am so happy to be here for my customers, we want them to feel as if they are dining in the finest bistro in Paris,’’ she says as her brown eyes fill with an undeniable joy.

"I named this restaurant after my mother Mimi who recently passed away. She taught me so very much and I wanted to share my joy of her memory and her excellence in cooking with my customers".

Vibrant laughter, the clinking of glasses and the distinct aroma of something really delicious captivate you as you enter the dining area that is light and airy. There are tables that range in size and although you are fairly close to the other customers, it seems very comfortable.

For the breakfast selection, there is the Classic Egg Benedict with ham served on an English muffin ($8.95) with a generous coating of sauce and a side of fruit.

The waffles ($9.75) are thick and topped with fruit and a large dollop of whipped cream that goes great with the fresh-brewed coffee.

There are a variety of baguette sandwiches available such as the roast beef baguette for $11.95. Each baguette is made from dough that is flown in from France regularly and you can taste the difference. The bread is sweeter and has a crunch that is lighter than most breads you can buy locally.

There are a variety of vinaigrettes that are made on the premises such as the "Signature Marie-Michelle Vinaigrette" ($6.95) that is just as zesty as its namesake. You can also bring the bottle back and for $4 you can get it refilled with any of the other selections such as Lemon-Caper and Dijon Mustard.

On the soup menu the choice here would be the French Onion  ($7.95) and as Marie-Michelle says, "there is nobody that can make French onion soup like the French."

Served piping hot on a colorful plate, the Gruyere Cheese oozes over the bowl spilling on the plate. Underneath this lava-like topping is a tangy bold broth with just the right amount of bread bits.

There is an array of seafood choices such as the Nova Scotia Croissant ($12.95) consisting of smoked salmon with cream cheese and tomato and the Albacore Tuna Salad ($8.95), a bold tasting salad filled with mixed greens, tuna and hard boiled eggs with a hint of Honey Mustard Vinaigrette.

The extensive menu has many choices with a variety of prices. From Quiche Lorraine to Penne Pasta, you will definitely have a dining experience that stimulates all your senses. Bon Appetit!

Address:  2099 Pine Ridge Road
                Phone: 239-566-2275

Hours:  Monday through Sunday
            Breakfast 9-11 a.m.
            Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Family dining

Beverages include juices, coffee, and soda

Non-smoking inside and limited outdoor dining

Most major credit cards accepted.

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