Bonjour Cafe seems overpriced and under imaginative

Kate Johnson

September 03, 2008 by Kate Johnson | Staff

0 votes

Meridian Street, south of 38th Street, isn’t known for much in the way of retail or restaurant
space, except for a few fast-food joints.

Amid these “fasties,” Bonjour Cafe & Bakery seemed to move rather slowly. It underwent lengthy
construction as I drove by for months, waiting for this place to open. At one point, a “for sale”
sign hung in front. Then, a few days later, patrons were sitting on the wrap-around deck, so we
headed inside for lunch.

##The food

The cafe’s interior looked like so many others: Neutral walls, wrought-iron furniture, a
chalkboard menu. One thing did stand out: the cost. Prices were expensive for what you got.

Hayden and I chose two sandwiches and were disappointed to learn that the only thing they came
with was a pickle. A pickle? Can’t even throw some chips on there or something?

My cutie boy chose the Al (whole sandwich for $7.50), a panini with grilled chicken, sun-dried
tomato pesto, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. There was no lettuce, but there were onions. The
result: a decent sandwich, but so dry his jaw must have hurt by the end of it.

I had a little more luck with my bistro chicken salad ($6.99 on the menu, but $5.99 on my
receipt) on a delicious, flaky, chewy croissant. The chicken salad was good, with crunchy walnuts
and celery, but not unlike something I could buy at the deli counter.

We could’ve ordered a combo meal for $10.50, but a bag of chips, a cookie, or a small salad or
soup would’ve put us over budget.

Disheartened, we sat outside where the noise of the busy street and view of a vacant lot earned
no extra points. Feeling only half-full, we went back inside to gaze at all the pies, cakes and
cookies in the bakery case. I chose a walnut brownie and Hayden, a piece of sponge cake coated in
chocolate ganache ($1.95 each).

We were let down again: the dry and freezer-tasting items did nothing more to satisfy us.

##The drinks

One shared can of Coke Zero (85 cents) — the fountain had not yet been installed.

##The damage: $19.76

I’d like to chalk up this average experience to the fact that Bonjour had been open only a week
when we visited. Perhaps the breakfast menu is great. It’s at least cheaper, and the coffee menu
has some kick to it.

##Bonjour Cafe & Bakery

Address: 2402 N. Meridian St.

Telephone: (317) 925-3634.

Parking: Lot.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Forum: Restaurants & Dining

Tags: 

sandwiches, Cake, paninis

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6 comments

Jordan
Jordan, September 7
0 votes

I live within walking distance of this place and made the mistake of giving it a second chance. Still haven't been for breakfast, but I don't feel so inspired to give them the opportunity to rip me off again.

A plus: I'm a big fan of the chocolate chip cookies. So if there's a place for Bonjour, it'd be to grab some coffee and a cookie.

Jammy
Jammy, September 7
0 votes

$10.50 for a combo meal of average to below average lunch, huh? Who do these guys think they are Au Bon Pain or something? :-)

I now know of a new place to avoid, mainly because I hate pickles.

joe.shearer
joe.shearer, September 8
0 votes

Dude...how can you hate pickles? They're so peppy and happy, and crunchy and fun.

I can say I don't like the kosher ones. Blech.

An aside: we just introduced my son to drinking pickle juice. I tried it for the first time in years and wonder why I ever did it, and he didn't seem to embrace it much at all.

indykyn
indykyn, September 18
0 votes

I went there for the first time today. I normally don't listen to critics and was right for not doing so again! For $8 and some change I got a huge 1/2 of a triple turkey sandwich on panini bread, tomato soup, a fresh baked cookie, and iced tea. The tomato soup was thick and not watery like some restaraunts serve. I also strongly disagree with the "freezer taste;" everything was fresh and made to order. They serve their food on real plates (not the cheap foil wrappers like some)and bring it right to you. The "vacant lot" was not distracting, infact I found it refreshing to see that some businesses are actually trying to revitalize downtown neighborhoods that have fallen by the wayside, instead of pouring more money into areas such as Carmel. The service was also friendly and fast (for things cooked to order--not from the freezer!) I can't help but feel like if some people want to get a complete meal for $3 maybe they should pop on further down the street to the dollar menu at McDonalds. I will be visiting them again soon and invite others to give it a try too!

mbnjmntrb
mbnjmntrb, September 19
0 votes

for eight bucks you should get a whole sandwich. current food prices dont effect bread and meats, last i checked.

bfaulk04
bfaulk04, December 1
0 votes

This review is dead-on.

I know this place is fairly new, but I’ve already given it three open-minded chances to make me believer and it’s failed all three times. To call this place French in any way is a complete misrepresentation of French cuisine. The sandwiches are painfully basic and insanely overpriced. I ordered the triple turkey like the reviewer above me, but unlike them the only thing huge about the sandwich was the price. Three thin slices of turkey amidst lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo all on some suspiciously store-bought-tasting bread qualifies as a genuine let-down for about $6. Don’t forget the slimy pickle spear. The only reason to even imagine yourself visiting is the baked goods, and even then don’t expect much. I haven’t tried breakfast yet, but I can’t justify giving this place yet another chance.

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