A salon de the, a casual tea house that also serves meals, is a wonderful place to visit year-round, but it takes on a special charming quality in the cold weather months. Traditionally adjoining patisseries, they have pleasant, clean environments and scrumptious, fresh desserts. In the autumn and winter months, one can find exceptional holiday meals and traditional regional dishes on the menu.
Spend an hour or two in one of these cozy establishments; you will find a quiet respite from a busy day, fast courteous service from a limited, but delicious menu, and a bag of patisserie treats to take home.
Hors D’ouvres Recipes and Light Dishes
Light suppers are very common in French teahouses. One might order a savory tart and salad for a full meal. Here is a selection of what can be found on winter menus.
- Basil Palmiers Recipe
- Goat Cheese and Tomato Tart Recipe
- Mixed Greens with Pears and Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Croque Monsieur Recipe
- Pissaladière Recipe
- Pork Rillettes Recipe
- Tomato Tarte Tatin Recipe
Soup Recipes
These soups can be paired with something heavier for a complete meal or accompanied with a baguette for the lighter appetite.
- Beef Consommé Recipe
- Butternut Squash Bisque Recipe
- Chestnut Soup with Crème Fraiche Recipe
- Gratineed Onion Soup Recipe
Main Dish Recipes
Main dishes are a bit heavier and heartier this time of year. These selections will warm you inside and out.
- Andouille and Potato Crepes Recipe
- Chicken and Mushroom Crepes Recipe
- Beef Burgundy Recipe
- Chicken and Sausage Cassoulet Recipe
- Volaille a la Crème Recipe
- Quiche Lorraine Recipe
- Tartiflette Recipe
Dessert and Recipes
What would a teahouse be without sweets? Most of these desserts can be found on nearly every teahouse menu in the winter.
- Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe
- Chocolate Éclairs Recipe
- Fig Tart Recipe
- Prune Tart Recipe
- Simple Brioche Loaf Recipe
- Rich Chocolate Torte Recipe
Hot Beverage Recipes
Warm up with these coffee and tea beverages. If you crave a change, try hot chocolate or steamy, spiced cider.
