Parlez Vous Provence for Two

Sometimes mundane errands, like picking up an exterior door two hours away from home, can lead to sublime experiences. Rosallie Le French Cafe in Winter Garden, Florida, is one such transportive experience. 

Case after case of delectable desserts, mousse and meringue piled high, puffy, chocolate glazed eclairs, crème brûlée, fairy pastel macarons, sugar dusted blueberry and other fruit tarts have you thinking you're somewhere in the south of France nearly drooling over the expansive and gorgeous pastries. 

But it wasn't just the eye-candy of the desserts and fresh fall decor cascading down doorway arches and along merchandise racks. The menu features delectable sandwiches, salads and main dishes, and this lovely "tea" room has an abundance of creative beverages - including one of the largest decadent coffee, tea and chocolate offerings I've ever seen. 

The outside patio was our choice as our puppy, Fin, was with us and we suffered no loss of service from the accommodating staff. Other than a few pesky birds that continued their chatter and chirping around Fin, and his efforts to catch one, he was very well behaved. I ordered the croissant with ham and cheese, which came with a 'side' salad that was enormous. I had water and ordered a Rose Mocha which was both full bodied in flavor, but delicate at the same time. My husband's proscuitto sandwich and side salad was equally popular. 

I scooped up a couple of desserts to take back to Jacksonville, and ordered a Provence Lemonade for the drive home. This is a honey-sweetened lavender-infused lemonade with a lavender cold foam. I've never had cold foam on a cold beverage, even though I've been making homemade lavender lemonade for years - and I was not disappointed. It was refreshing and lightly floral and fun to look look at!

I've heard, more often, of Winter Park, but this little foray into Winter Garden was a delight and we intend to return. The staff at Rosallie were gracious and friendly - it only adds to the dining experience when you enjoy the servers and baristas. Winter Garden has beautiful walkable streets, gorgeous storefronts and upscale restaurants, at least one brewery - maybe more - dot the landscape. We are definitely returning and will stay overnight so we can enjoy it all.

Within 30-40 minutes to Disney World, it is well worth the stop or a stay. It's worlds apart in terms of calm vs. chaos and maybe just what is ordered for a Disney detox (if applicable!) and some calm before heading back home. 

Rosalie Le French Cafe is located at 141 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. Full disclosure: Their website is helpful with regard to menu items, but not easily navigable and they have another location in Las Vegas, so don't be confused. While they do have a Facebook page, it is not frequently updated, so my preferred way to follow them might be Instagram. 

Au revoir, mes amis!