Sara B.
Yelp
French Pantry has always been that extra special treat for me.
It's kinda out there in Jax, off the beaten path, the hours can be tricky for the normal 9-5er, and of course, the hype of it all. This place is so popular that there is always a line when waiting to place your lunch order.
Is this a bad thing? Heck no. This just goes to show the outstanding reputation French Pantry has.
Yesterday was a treat eating here. After a few failed attempts to plan to grab lunch here with a fellow foodie friend, (failed attempts fall on me) we finally made it! Originally we had planned to visit in February for a birthday lunch. Of course now that half of April is over, we damn near made it ; ) lol
Here's my advice as a returning or future customer: Pull up their online menu on your phone while waiting in line. Their website has pictures for each staple menu item - yesss, pictures y'all - We like food porn.
Once you make it inside, check their specials board. If you thought you knew what you wanted to order, haha, think again. Now you have an A choice and a B choice, just in case something happens between now and when you make it to the cashier - you are fully prepared.
Okay secondly, Over order, yes you heard that right, order way too much food. Get a bruschetta for you & the table, hell maybe a couple depending on how big your party is, order a sandwich or burger (their burgers are good if you were questioning those) and of course, get a dessert! You Have to order a fresh baked dessert! If you thought bb's, cinotti's, etc was the tits when it comes to desserts, we are about to change your entire way of thinking, with one single dessert from French Pantry. The wedding cake and cheese tart are my two favorites (the cheese dessert is kinda like cheesecake but more firm, less sugary, shaved white chocolate comes on top, and honestly it's Way better than normal cheesecake). The strawberry sauce for the wedding cake is what really seals the deal for that one. If you truly appreciate a fresh strawberry puree, order extra like me. It's heavenly. If it was sanitary to bathe in this sauce, I would.
Elaine ordered the chicken and artichoke bruschetta seen in the pictures here, I ordered the special which was the pork bahn mi sandwich, Elaine also ordered chocolate chip cookies to go (not pictured but we did try one just to make sure it wasn't poisoned when she shares later with her husband - sharing is caring) and of course, the wedding cake slice with extra strawberry sauce on the side.
The only mistake I made was not wearing stretchy pants to lunch yesterday.
This is a weird flex but something I feel like I need to mention ~ The to go boxes here - let's get a round of applause to those small businesses who choose to invest in a quality, non styrofoam to go boxes. Thank you French pantry. They have quality non styrofoam to go boxes that keep your food fresh, non soggy, for those leftovers you are definitely eating the next day. Plus, I mean we did visit on French pantry on earth day - they are much more eco friendly than the red headed step child styrofoam ones. Thank you FP for thinking of these small details that actually mean so much later!
I've always appreciated that this restaurant group takes time to reply to reviews - good or bad. I think it displays premium hospitality at its finest and something all businesses should do. It's that extra detail that shows they care about their customers. It's a rarity that a lot of small businesses do not do, and something so easy that would really help the small business at hand if they started doing this.
Okay one more thing bc hot damn this is a novel. The staff. You will not find a better staff than the mellow mushroom extended family right here. From management to kitchen staff, to front of the house employees, everyone is so friendly, so accommodating. They will remember you even if you have only come in one time, and greet you with a big smile welcoming you back. This is always such a nice surprise when visiting. I love seeing familiar faces, and catching up with old coworkers. They really are the best.
A great way to show your appreciation for the amount of love that pours out of this small business is by leaving a gracious tip, writing a review, & sharing your food porn on social media. French Pantry deserves all of those.
As always, thank you for making my day extra special! Can't wait to come back.