Looking for a gig, he also found fabulous French food
VENICE, Fla. - “You don’t have to speak French to enjoy French cuisine” is something FOX 13’s Chip Brewster learned while shooting a Bay Area Best segment at Café Longet in Venice. In fact, that was a lesson learned by FOX 13 viewer Rod Demers as well. He’s the one who brought Chip and his segment to the French fusion café in the first place.
“In June of last year, I played in Venice before, but I was looking for a gig, a job playing music. So I just walked in here, introduced myself,” Rod recalled. “Steve happened to be here standing at the bar and I introduced myself, told him who I was. I knew nothing about the place, the food, zero, just that it was a door to open and see if I could play… and I’ve been playing here ever since.”.
“But then you discovered the food?” Chip asked.
“Yeah, that was the real treat,” Rod replied.
The café is owned and operated by Steve Longet and his wife Jessica. They first opened the spot in 2016 after Steve spent nearly 20 years in the European food and service industry including working as the private chef for a wealthy family in Switzerland and as a grand chef at five-star restaurants in Paris.
His menu has French classics such as escargot, cheese plates, and tarte flambée, as well as things like burgers, salads, and Rod’s favorite, parmentier de boeuf.
“Shredded beef topped with whipped mashed potatoes, drizzled with a red wine reduction and a side salad,” Chip read from the menu.
“I’ve never had mashed potatoes like this. Ever in my life. I didn’t know they could do it, but he whips it up. It’s like Cool Whip, the texture of it,” Rod described.
If you’re looking to try some French flavors from a true Frenchman, then check out Café Longet.
MORE INFO:
Café Longet
239 Miami Ave W
Venice, FL 34285
Monday – Friday
Lunch 12-2:30 p.m.
Dinner 5-9 p.m.
Saturday
Dinner 4-9:30 p.m.
Website: http://cafelonget.com/
Curious what other spots have made the Bay Area Best list? Find all of them here: http://bit.ly/BABMap