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La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe

Albuquerque, NM

July 8, 2018

My rating is higher than other Elites, since I knew it was a cafeteria-style chain going in. As a result, I'm comparing it to Pret a Manger, Paul, Panera, or even Furrs rather than Amphitryon, Le Troquet, or Clafoutis.

The ambiance and organization of the restaurant remind me greatly of Panera, but rather than a boulangerie display at the front, they have patisserie. I am definitely coming back at some point to try their eponymous Madelines, and possibly some of the sweet croissants. 

The reasons for my high rating:
Not only was the American-style dining room spacious, spotless, and complete with comfortable chairs and pleasing French decor, unlike every cafe we visited in France, there was no surcharge on our meal for using it.

We were greeted at the door and given menus and a place to sit as we decided what to order rather than standing in the way of more decisive individuals (or being stuck behind less decisive individuals) at the counter. 

Preparing our own drinks at the drink station meant we didn't have to quibble about what "extra lemon" means when we desired some in our water.

A selection of freshly baked bread & butter was supplied in the dining room to add to our meals.

The Shrimp Crepes Florentine tasted remarkably fresh and was reasonably priced for its size at any cafeteria.

The country potato soup with bacon and cheese had delightful smokiness and a subtle but rich flavor.

The French Onion soup was neither beery, nor overly sweet. It was made with a well-rounded beef consomme, and the crouton was made of the bakery loaves, rather than pre-packaged crumble.

The Potato Galette (possibly the best $3 we've spent on a breakfast item in quite some time) was full of scallion and cheesy goodness and griddled to perfection.

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