Last week, a friend took me to lunch at a little café tucked away in a strip mall on the northeast corner of Indian School & Miller Road, near Downtown Scottsdale. MERCI French Cafe & Patisserie occupies the space where Scratch, another French restaurant, was a few years ago. It turns out that the new owners and chef are the same ones who ran Scratch, and I think the food is better than ever! The vichyssoise (cold potato and leek soup) is amazing and perfect for a warm Arizona summer afternoon. Their Salmon, Asparagus & Parmesan Quiche served with a fresh green salad was also excellent.
Duke, the owner and chef, treated us like old friends and wanted to make sure we sampled his freshly made pear sorbet. It was delicious. MERCI is known for their award-winning macarons and French pastries, which are beautifully displayed and just the perfect dessert to take if you are heading to a friend’s house for dinner! I can’t wait to go back for more vichyssoise and to try some of their other offerings like crab cakes with swiss cheese, avocado and cucumber, or duck confit with french fries! Or for breakfast to try one of their butter, chocolate, raisin or almond croissants, or homemade french toast with bananas, walnuts and whipped cream. They are open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
– Ace {Concierge}
