I know many people tend to think the southwest only has steaks and Mexican food. However, Tucson is home to a hugely diverse restaurant population among them is Ghini’s French Cafe, located at 1803 E. Prince Rd. Tucson, Az 85719. Ghini’s has been a Tucson staple for over 20 years and has been on the Best Of Tucson list for the last 6 years in a row. I enjoy going there because it is different from many other places in town. It has a feel of a little Cafe in Greenwich Village that I use to frequent. Another perk of going to Ghini’s is they serve breakfast and brunch all day! So if you’re a breakfast lover this is a great place for you.
On this trip I decided to try their signature dish the Eggs Provencal. The little story that accompanied it on the menu made my decision for me. The chef Coralie Satta spoke of how she learned to cook with her grandmother in Marseilles , where they would cook her favorite eggs Provencal, and eat them anytime of day. It’s hard to resist a dish made by someone’s grandmother! When I cook eggs I’m usually in such a hurry that I don’t think of adding anything more than salt and pepper. In Eggs Provencal they sauté garlic and Thyme with a freshly sliced tomato and serve it with the eggs and nicely toasted baguette. This is a wonderful combination and it truly is something you can eat anytime of the day. I will place her recipe for this dish at the bottom of the post.
My sister opted for another of Ghini’s favorite the Strawberry Crepes with fresh whipped cream. What could be bad right? I love the versatility of the Crepe. I could eat a savory ham and Swiss Crepe followed by a sweet one for dessert! I would have loved to try all the Crepes on the menu, but I have to draw the line somewhere.
There are many delicious French dishes at Ghini’s such as the Croque Madamé , a take on the famous Croque Monsieur but topped with an egg. French onion soup and homemade Paté or a Nicoise salad are among the favorites. They serve sandwiches like the simple yet delicious Jambon Beurre (Danish Ham and Sweet Cream Butter on a Baguette) and a traditional French Dip. There are also burgers and pasta if you’re not in the mood for something French. For dessert you have to look no further than La Baguette Bakery which is in the same building adjacent to the Cafe. Maybe a nice eclair or a chocolate crescent or a classic cream puff? Their bakery also makes an array of fresh bread daily, both sweet and savory and of course French Baguettes. It’s nice to have the two places connected, because if you’re like me you’ll wander over to the bakery after eating and probably bring something home for later.
If you decide to make a trip to Ghini’s remember they are closed on Monday’s and only open 7:30am till 3pm on Tuesday-Thursday. Friday-Saturday open 7:30am till 8pm and Sunday 8am till 2pm. The bakery is closed on Sunday and Monday and opened from 8am-3pm Tuesday -Saturday . If you’ve been to Ghini’s and would like to add something about your experience , good or bad, please do so in the comment box. The recipe for Eggs Provencal is below, enjoy it! Have a wonderful day and until next time, Boone Appétit!
Eggs Provencal
A simple dish from Provence in my Grandmother’s Kitchen: An amazing symphony of flavors, locally sourced hot house tomatoes sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with fresh garlic, fresh eggs and thyme. An addictive dish that can be eaten breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime. Ghinis Eggs Provencale – our signature dish Per order per person. Take your favorite kind of tomato, ripe, and slice off both ends. Slice your tomato once in half and place those cut sides down in your saute pan. Salt, pepper & lightly olive oil your tomatoes and start to cook them on med heat, covered with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened, flip the tomatoes over and put one Tb of chopped fresh garlic between the tomatoes, let garlic cook for about 1/2 minute and add two eggs any way you like them. Add thyme to the top of the entire dish and continue to cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with a nice crusty baguette.
Great post Charlie! You had me at baguette 🙂 Ive been to Paris twice……the food is incredible! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Cindi, yes I love French food too and sometimes you just need some!