#52: Le Croque Monsieur at LaBonne Bouchée

Ashley Atkins

Le Croque Monsieur!

​LaBonne Bouchée (12344 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur; 314.576-6606) offers the Francophile a wide selection of authentic French cuisine, ranging from le quiche du jour to le vol au vent to petit fours. But Gut Check's favorite way to eat à la française is to devour the restaurant's take on the ham-and-cheese sandwich: le croque monsieur.

You might see this as a simple grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich, but you would be terribly mistaken. Open your eyes, nose and taste buds to the creamy Béchamel sauce. Considered one of the "mother sauces" in French cuisine, it's an intoxicating mix of scalded milk, butter and flour -- and recipes such as fondue and lasagna could not thrive without its delicate texture and invigorating taste. Smothered over crisp, buttered bread, it moves this sandwich from the minor leagues to the big leagues.

The heft of this sandwich is enough to fill even the most gluttonous Gut Check reader up for the rest of the day. Translation: Lightweights need not apply. This is hearty, rich food -- perfect for a chilly October day.

Beginning last year, RFT restaurant critic Ian Froeb counted down -- in no particular order -- 100 of his favorite dishes in St. Louis. Now Gut Check has taken up where he left off. Check back frequently as we detail our 100 favorites, and don't hesitate to send us yours, too, either via the comments thread or at tips@riverfronttimes.com.

Previously:

#53: Biscuits and Wild Mushroom Gravy at Blood and Sand
#54: The Gracey at Fozzie's Sandwich Emporium
#55: The Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza at Katie's Pizzeria
#56: Brioche French Toast at Half & Half
#57: Fish and Chips at Llywelyn's
#58: Chicken Kabob at Al Waha
#59: Seafood Ravioli at Gian-Tony's Ristorante