Toulouse Cafe and Bar is an Uptown-area bistro that serves relaxed but upscale French brasserie cuisine. Were it not for the dilapidated 7-11 and Chili’s Bar and Grill on an adjacent corner, you might actually be at an open air bistro in Paris. The usual crowd looks like the haute couture of Highland Park—if you can fight through the collagen, Jimmy Choos and $2,500 handbags, you are in for a great food experience.
From beginning to end—or from Goat Cheese Tarte to Chocolate Mousse—I loved Toulouse. The waitstaff are extremely attentive and are quick to give opinionated yet able food recommendations.
Toulouse is known for its mussels, which you can order as an appetizer or entrée (I highly recommend the Mariniere version of this dish). Toulouse also offers monthly wine dinners featuring a specific wine region, which gives great pairings to a three course meal.
After one visit, I was dreaming in techno color chocolate. The dark chocolate mousse served with whip cream, raspberries, and a chocolate pirouette is pure evil genius. It is rich enough to share, but if you are anything like me, you won’t.
—Candace Tharp
Toulouse Cafe and Bar
3314 Knox Street
214.520.8999
Editor’s note: Candace Tharp has a blog called “Junk Foodie”, where she writes about her experiences at neighborhood eateries. Judging by her refreshing disregard for calorie, fat and carb count, we say she earns the name. (And from her blog photo that portrays a svelte young mother we say, “No fair!”)
