With the recent opening of Souvla and Loveski Deli, it is obvious that Marin Country Mart is expanding its culinary offerings. In addition to these previously mentioned eateries, the Mart is soon opening its doors to a traditional French restaurant, Buvette Du Marais. Founded by Patrick Ascaso, the establishment aims to infuse French culinary influences from Ascaso’s childhood with the vibrant California palate. Currently, Le Marais has a location in Mill Valley, so I visited this location as a way to preview the restaurant before it opens in Larkspur. With the diverse menu of pastries and breakfast to entrees and dinners, I opted to sample a mix of the most popular dishes to properly understand the restaurant’s overall essence.
Croissant
To get an initial understanding of the pastries, I felt it was only fair to ordera French staple, the croissant. Le Marais’s croissants are freshly baked daily, contributing to their high quality. From first glance, the croissant’s golden brown coating is visible alongside its voluminous height. The flavor was simple, but with the combined crunch from the crispy outside and the freshness of the center, the croissant showcased the perfect recipe Le Marais has achieved. Overall, the rating it receives is 8/10.
French Toast
This expertly presented dish showcased thick slices of golden-brown brioche, promising a perfect blend of crisp exterior and pillowy interior. Each forkful revealed a culinary masterpiece—a rich, buttery texture harmoniously infused with a sweet melody of vanilla and cinnamon. Topped with real maple syrup and powdered sugar, the dish achieved an exquisitely balanced sweetness. Versatile toppings from fresh berries to whipped cream added a personalized touch to the experience. The Brioche French Toast transcended the ordinary, offering a decadent journey of flavors and textures. Overall, this dish receives an
8.5/10
Avocado Croissant Toast
For my culinary finale, I indulged in the avocado croissant sandwich. It had a crispy croissant base topped with avocado, creme fraiche and two eggs sunny side up. The decision to use Le Marais’s crisp croissant was bold but turned out to be a great one. The combination of the perfectly cooked eggs, creamy creme fraiche and avocado made it my favorite meal. It was filling and balanced with both veggies and carbs. Out of everything I’ve tried, I happily give this dish the highest rating of 9.5/10.
