DINING REVIEW
Café Chloe
721 Ninth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3242
Among many things, Paris is known for its quaint sidewalk cafés and its springtime fever. As you walk down the wide streets you see people sipping rosé, munching on breads and cheeses, enjoying the culture and weather of one of the world’s best cities.
So now that springtime has finally hit our little town of San Diego, I have been yearning for that same Parisian experience I have grown to love. I knew of only one place to go that could offer me the experience I was looking for. Café Chloe is nestled on the corner of Ninth and G streets in the new up and coming neighborhood of San Diego’s East Village.
Café Chloe came together as a vision for three partners. Tami Ratliffe, John Clute and Alison McGrath brought a little slice of French culture to an area of town that needed a little boost. Opened in 2005, they are still cooking the culture of French cuisine and have really become a staple in the downtown area.
The sidewalk of their corner location is lined with classic iron tables and chairs while inside small wooden bistro tables provide a cozy atmosphere. Even the white marble bar is a comfortable place to grab a bite. Being one of the only quality places in San Diego that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, whichever meal period you choose, the experience will leave you wanting more.
Chef Katie Grebow changes her menu daily and uses only the freshest local ingredients. When menus do change that often, it is hard to critique them since you never get the same dish twice. Chef Katie’s menu however, has never disappointed.
Start your evening off with a classic French nibble of Pommes Frites ($7.50). Served with a trio of aiolis, the excellently seasoned frites are just the thing to get your appetite ready. Although the salads are always different, the Bistro Salad ($8) has become a love of mine, and thankfully is a staple on the menu. Crunchy bitter frisée is lightly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette while a perfectly poached egg lays atop.
On the many visits I have been there, the mussels have been served in a variety of ways and I have seen them offered both as an appetizer or an entrée. Whichever you choose, you are in for a treat. On one of my last visits, I munched on Mussels Provencal ($16). A traditional favorite in the south of France, these were luscious and left simple to let the flavor of the mussels and broth blend together.
Seafood is definitely a stand out on the menu. Offering a fish du jour, as well as a plat du jour every day, you’ll never be bored with the menu. Recently my dining partner and I enjoyed both specials.
Flaking and moist halibut wrapped in prosciutto was a delicious fish du jour, while a perfectly cooked skin-on salmon was a great choice for the plat du jour. Both dishes had bright vegetable accompaniments and the plates were sauced with just the right amount.
Steak frites is a staple on any bistro menu and many versions grace the menus in San Diego. At Café Chloe, the Steak Frites ($20) lives up to the classic French prototype. The flank steak is grilled a perfect medium rare, the frites ideally seasoned and the sauce is bold and offers a smoky flavor.
Game meats are just another genre that chef Katie is not afraid to explore. Duck makes an appearance occasionally and chef Katie has one of the best versions of duck confit in town. She chooses to serve the duck leg in a variety of ways, but each time myself or someone I’m dining with orders the dish, it never disappoints.
To make this café even more Parisian, the selection of cheeses is always outstanding. Like the menu, the cheese selection changes very frequently. Classically served on a marble stand, this is a must order course. Even if you just hop in for a glass of wine, this is the exact accompaniment needed.
The wine list is small but very well chosen. Just like a Paris café, the wines are served by the glass, carafe or bottle. Here they take their wine seriously and offer distinct varietals from all over the world. My one criticism when it comes to the wine served here is the low stemmed glass. I’m just not a fan.
Whether you are longing for the Parisian café experience or simply just hungry, Café Chloe can satisfy all your desires and do it with style and grace. And although G Street may not be the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, sit down, order some mussels and a glass of crispy wine, and for just a split second, you might just think you’re there.
