Travel to France at Chouette, a cool downtown bistro
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No matter what you order, expect a tiny French flag to adorn it. Bon appétit! Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
In my early downtown worker days, the old Cafe Brioso on Gay Street was a staple for a quick caffeine fix.
Dining the news: Now those laid-back digs are unrecognizable, with French bistro Chouette serving escargots, coq au vin and caviar inside the former coffee shop.
- It's authentic, recently earning recognition from a French culinary group.
What I ate: I stopped for Sunday brunch and a slightly-less-adventurous crêpe filled with gruyère cheese and Parisian ham ($18) — thin, creamy, savory.
- For dessert: A velvety crème brûlée ($13), with a glass-like caramelized top.
- Of course, I also snuck a bite of my husband's chocolate mousse with hazelnuts ($15), a deeply rich contrast.
Best bites: The appetizer gougères ($15), a puffed, airy pastry filled with cheese, are unique and addicting.
The intrigue: As a cultured Disney Adult, I couldn't resist ordering a side of ratatouille ($12) — a frequent request, our server said with a smile, and also one of her favorite movies.
- The comforting dish was authentic to its origins as a peasant vegetable stew, but a certain cartoon rat has helped popularize more elevated varieties worldwide.
The vibe: Expect lots of owl theming, as "chouette" is the French word for "owl" and "cool."
- It's upscale, but approachable, and the plant-lined patio is beautiful and spacious.
Stop by: 66 N. High St. Hours. Menu.
🌎 Explore the world: See the other international foods we've tried across Central Ohio.
