One of the signs of an evolving restaurant scene is the addition of a neighborhood cafe: a casual space where people can gather and linger over coffee or a light meal. North downtown just got one thanks to The Honeymoon and now, with the opening of Tout Suite, EaDo has, too.
"If you want to work or study, we're trying to meet all those needs," Le explains.
Initially expected to open in April, Tout Suite is a sister concept to Sweet, the popular CityCentre bakery. Whereas Sweet is strictly a place for pastries and coffee, Tout Suite is a full cafe with the utility of being open until midnight every day.
Credit the jump from Sweet's 900 square-feet to Tout Suite's 7,000 for the additional items. Half of the space is devoted to the kitchen, which means Tout Suite can produce the 20 macaron flavors and cupcakes that Sweet is known for as well as an all new line of plated desserts like eclairs and pot de creme.
"Our pastry chefs are really passionate about what they do," spokesperson Annie Le tells CultureMap. She cites the new menu items as one example of Tout Suite's commitment to offering more variety to customers.
Savory menu
The savory menu is divided into morning (7 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday) and "Noon and Night" (11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.). Breakfast options include pastries, eggs to order and avocado toast. A full selection of locally-roasted Greenway Coffee is available to help start the morning.
Seating ranges from individual tables to a coffee bar to a large community table with plugs for people working on notebook computers.
The later menu is more varied with a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and plates that come with a protein, starch and vegetable. A choice of half salad with a half sandwich or cup of soup goes for $10. Plates start at $10 for chicken and go up to $18 for beef from 44 Farms.
Le says the menu contains "things we like to eat every day . . . it's as simple as possible but (is designed to) meet everyone's cravings."
At $18, my steak sandwich with freshly cut French fries was a definite splurge, but the steak arrived properly medium rare and the toppings of caramelized onions and provolone are classics because they taste good. Served on a pretzel bun, it was definitely a satisfying meal. The watermelon basil salad ($9) was another hit and easily big enough for two people to share.
Dry chicken marred the well-prepared vegetables in my friend's plate lunch. Maybe spend a little more for salmon, tofu or beef if ordering one.
Diverse seating
Nothing is bad about Tout Suite's diverse seating options. They range from individual tables to a coffee bar to a large community table with plugs for people working on notebook computers.
"Our pastry chefs are really passionate about what they do," Le says.
"If you want to work or study, we're trying to meet all those needs," Le explains. "People are looking for space to post up," she adds, and Tout Suite is ready.
Although the cafe has only been open for a couple of weeks, Le reports that customers really appreciate the new option. "The biggest blessing is we've (received) so much support and appreciation. People have been wanting a place like this."
Good news, EaDo workers and residents. You've got one.
Tout Suite is open from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.
The new Tout Suite is becoming a gathering spot for EaDo residents.
