La Quiche Parisienne Bistro — Restaurant in Albuquerque

Living in the United States certainly limits one’s exposure to good French cuisine. Unless you find yourself living in cosmopolitan hubs like New York or LA: options are usually pretty scarce. The same holds true for New Mexico's largest city, which already features its own unique and proud brand of fare. However, Francophiles residing in the land of enchantment shouldn't allow themselves to become downtrodden over this. For there's a place nestled in the Academy Hills area that should be able to satisfy: La Quiche Parisienne Bistro. Granted, this restaurant can be a little difficult to find; especially if you don't already know it's there. This is primarily because it occupies a small unit in an outdoor shopping center near the Smith's on Juan Tabo and Eubank. Nonetheless, when you do find it, you'll be glad you did as was the case for me when I came in for lunch last week. The restaurant itself has a nice atmosphere which appropriately pays homage to the city that provides it with its namesake. Menu items are decent in their variety and showcase many French classics. As for me, I decided to go with a house special item called The Croissant Au Jambon: a croissant filled with cream, ham & Swiss cheese. A choice of side is also provided for each house special platter: homemade fries or green salad with homemade dressing. I chose the former primarily because I was treating myself that day, or at least that’s what I’ll say to justify my going with the less healthy option. The meal itself was amazing as the croissant was rich in flavor, flakey to the touch, and packed with just the proper amount of cheese. The packed ham was also delicious and savory; proving to be an ideal complementary item to the inherent sweetness of the croissant. The side of fries came in a fryer basket (nice touch) and was well-seasoned, crispy, and generous in size. Desert seemed tempting as the display case featured a beautiful arrangement of house-made pastries and sweets. However, I determined that another time would be best suited to sit down and enjoy one of these delights. My overall experience at La Quiche Parisienne Bistro was bitter-sweet. I was happy to have come across it, but wish I had done so before my days in Albuquerque were nearly over. Nonetheless, if in the area, or simply craving French cuisine and don’t know where to go. La Quiche Parisienne Bistro is definitely a good place to consider. I well run, features an authentic element, and...

This was a first visit for me and I had heard so many wonderful things.

Upon entering, the chalkboard sign said, “please wait to be seated” (hmm...why though: multiple tables available), so we stood awkwardly (in the lack of a foyer) feeling like we were loitering other patrons while waiting to be noticed by the staff.

A server finally greeted us and directed us toward “any available table” (thanks so much for the guidance).

Our middle aged male server made a completely unsubtle observation of my chest (and it’s not even that glorious), sooner than he greeted us with a menu. Then, despite an impressive number of delicious quiche options on the menu, when it came time to order—they apparently had NONE LEFT (it was noon on a Saturday). I was especially disappointed to learn this when ordering—versus via the chalkboard greeting sign, via the server who directed us to sit, or upon being handed the menu.

While I’m sure the bistro has a high demand for their namesake dish—any restaurant that names itself after a specific dish should be certain to prepare an excess of it...despite any weekday/weekend fluctuations and/or volume of business.

I ended up ordering the tomato soup, which would have benefitted from more cream. The latte was excellent. The service was acceptable and the general atmosphere was pleasant. However, my expectations were UNMET by a long-shot and I’ll gladly spend my money elsewhere...

Well, I've been here twice before and while the food was good, the staff is was not very personable. But today took the cake, I came in at 2:49, (sign says close at 3pm) there were 4 staff members up front, one I passed on the way in. I stood in line to garb a sandwich out of the case, the nice blonde guy was helpful in my making choice, I went to the cash register and up comes a member from the back that in a bossy tone tells me the kitchen is closed.....I explained I just wanted a sandwich out of the case to go, he says they don't sell it that way because it comes with a side item, I say I don't need a side item (I'm famished). Se says no, he can't sell me any thing except from the dessert case. I suggest they change their sign to say they really close at 2:45pm and mention I will add that in my review-HE THEN CALLS ME RUDE! I turn around and explain, I walked past 4 staff and NO ONE ever said the kitchen was closed (again with the not being greeted or very personable) and the other guy was ok selling me a sandwich....Hey, NEVER call a customer that you are refusing to service during business hours "rude", it's no wonder businesses can't stay open in this town. He would not give me his name, a little dark skinned guy, he should work in a cubicle. I never experienced this kind of behavior in France, and I certainly do not find it...