LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Lafayette’s beloved French spot Rêve just flipped the script for fall. Chef/owner Paul Magu-Lecugy rolled out a brand-new menu that brings in fresh dishes, tweaks a house classic, and revives a comfort-food favorite.
We got a look at the menu and the restaurant’s announcement, and here’s what’s new.
New fish, new cut, old favorite
- Red Drum makes its debut. Rêve is now featuring Red Drum — a mild, slightly sweet, flaky white fish similar to striped bass. It’s served over puy lentils with juniper-berry infused butter. Chef Paul says he’s especially excited about this one.
- Steak Frites gets a makeover. After 9 years with a rib-eye, Rêve has switched the Steak Frites to a New York cut. You still get the classic peppercorn sauce and the same famously crisp fries.
- Coq au Vin is back. The bistro comfort classic returns, braising weather and all.
Fall dishes that lean cozy
The new lineup hits all the right autumn notes:
- Seared day-boat scallops with a wild-foraged mushroom risotto.
- Braised beef cheeks over chestnut spätzle with roasted cauliflower.
- Beller Family Farm pork chop with mashed potatoes and sautéed apples.
- Mussels frites “marinière” in a white-wine, shallot, garlic broth, served with fries.
- Risotto aux champignons with Parmesan and truffle — and it’s marked vegan available.
There’s plenty of texture and warmth here — chestnuts, lentils, juniper, mushrooms — the kind of French country cooking that fits shorter days and sweater weather.
The mid-week deal: Le Bib Gourmand prix fixe
Rêve is also pushing a value-driven three-course Le Bib Gourmand dinner Tuesday through Thursday. It includes a Rêve salad, your choice of Moules Frites, Coq au Vin, or the mushroom risotto, and a trio of mini desserts (think seasonal tart, opera cake, and pâte de fruit). You can sub in Steak Frites for a small upcharge. It’s a smart way to sample the core of the bistro menu without going full a la carte.
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$10 Tuesdays live on
The restaurant says $10 Tuesdays are extended through September — $10 corkage (one 750ml bottle per table), $10 French 75, and a $10 glass of Leitz Zero NA sparkling rosé. No code or coupon needed. If you’ve been meaning to try the new menu, that’s your nudge.
