Open for almost one full week, La Cave du Grenier is making its mark on Main Street Vineyard Haven.  Le Grenier, above, is already a favorite French restaurant of many visitors and locals, and its sister bistro won’t dissapoint.  Last week I went to the opening party, but there were so many people there to see this highly anticipated restaurant,  I knew I had to go back another time to really take a look.

Bonjour Amazing Breakfast Menu

So, early Tuesday morning, I went to La Cave for breakfast, after all, I have been thinking about the pastries they would have since February, when I first wrote about it.  La Cave is bringing so much life to the end of the shopping district on Main Street.  The space has been transformed into a sweet little bistro. Hard to believe the bagel shop was ever there.  The porch has lots of seating and just looking at it makes you want to grab a cup of coffee and spend time there.  Everything about the outside is inviting.

When you enter the restaurant, it is quaint and is clearly styled by Chef Jean Dupon.  The space is open and warm.  I love the deep red and cream on the walls – it is relaxing yet a little rich too.  The checkered floor is a fun addition, and I adore the bistro chairs and tables.

There are fresh baked pastries directly in view when you walk through the front door.  I immediately saw the a Raspberry Cream croissant and knew one would be mine.  I will always be a sucker for anything with raspberries.  There was also a spinach and Gruyere, which I had to get for lunch later.  The pastries I had been waiting for did not disappoint.

In addition to the pastries, there is a fantastic assortment of other items for breakfast.  I had also gotten the Bistro Breakfast Sandwich which had spinach, tomato and Gruyere cheese on a warm baguette – yummy.  La Cave has omelettes, like asparagus and brie, a smoked salmon plate, pancakes with cinnamon butter, french toast with mixed berry compote and of course there are crepes and more!  I think this could be one of my new favorite places for breakfast!

Crispy Fries Oh My

There’s also an extensive lunch menu with delicious sandwiches like Croque Monsieur, roasted turkey, ham, and Gruyere cheese, which is egg battered and pan fried and accompanied with house salad or crispy fries.  Hmmm…..I like how they call them crispy fries.  They sound even more edible than regular fries.

You can also find salads like Jean Dupon’s Famous Classic Caesar, and there’s a selection of entrees such as fish and chips or a crepes dish or the very popular Steak Au Poivre, peppered top sirloin, cognac cream sauce, served with frites and grilled asparagus.  There are so many choices and everything sounds delicious!

Don’t worry if you have little ones in tow, there’s even a kids menu, so the whole family can enjoy lunch out in town.  Of course there’s a dessert menu too, as if the food wasn’t delicious and rich enough.  You can end your meal with treats like house-made profiteroles or Crepe Romanoff which has fresh strawberries with orange pastry cream.

With La Cave’s creative and diverse menu and Le Grenier upstairs , you may wonder how Chef Jean Dupon will do it all.  Luckily, Chef Dupon has hired a well known Island Chef, James McDonough as the executive chef for La Cave du Grenier.  Chef McDonough was the executive chef for The Beach Plum Inn for 16 years.  He has brought his culinary skills and passion for cooking down-island.  A welcomed addition to Vineyard Haven.

Opening For Dinner

Lucky for all of us, starting this Thursday, June 21st, La Cave du Grenier will start serving dinner.  How wonderful to have another restaurant that offers outside dining.  The cooler Summer nights are perfect for just that.

Table 84 is the best table for people watching, i’ts right on the corner, and is Chef Dupon’s favorite as well.  So, try to grab that one if you can.  La Cave plans to have its beer and wine license soon, so we’ll also be able to have drinks with our meal.  Don’t forget there’s always take out too!  Owen Park is right down the street, and can be a great place to have a little picnic.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you should definitely give La Cave a try!  If you can, try to have some time to enjoy the porch.

Thanks for reading On Point.  If you want to see La Cave while under construction, check out One Cellar I Want to Visit, and don’t forget to  “Like” us on Facebook, on follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest and YouTube.