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Metro Brasserie & Bar
7114 East Stetson Drive | 480-994-3663

I don’t mean to brag, but I have dined at those iconic Paris cafes overlooking the River Seine with their curvy cane chairs, and my visit to Metro Brasserie & Bar was like déjà vu.  This Southbridge Canal restaurant’s long dining room sets the tone with those familiar French bistro chairs and a large framed photo of a Paris subway Metro sign.  There is also a modern twist to the décor with additional seating at a row of butcher block tables for two with low slung brown canvas-covered chairs.  Or, diners can sit outside on a patio or in the bar area which features a glass showcase of King crab legs and lobster tails.

Metro’s menu offers classic French cuisine along with some dishes with a Southern twist, which matches nicely with the New Orleans jazz music in the background.  We passed on such Southern pairings such as Shrimp and Grits ($18) or the typically French Escargots ($12) and decided the chilly night did deserve some classic Onion Soup Gratin ($8).  Topped with a thick layer of Gruyere cheese and brioche croutons, the spectacular broth had just the right amount of sweet sliced onions.  Accompanied by hot, small baguettes and soft butter, the night’s meal was already memorable as we savored the steamy soup.

I could not resist trying the Braised pork Cheeks ($19).  These lean, delectable morsels glazed with a maple syrup sat in a puddle of pureed parsnips that could easily push mashed potatoes out of the American dining lexicon isf just given half a chance; their delicate flavor far superior to the starchy spud we Americans cling to.

Companion mulled over the selection of seafood choices that feature everything from oysters and clams to lobsters and crab dishes, but ended up opting for the Chicken Grande-Mere ($18).  A small half bird with a side of baby spinach and plain potato puree made him wish he had been brave enough to throw his American citizenship temporarily aside and gone French long enough to try the Slow-Cooked Rabbit ($19) instead.

We could not resist dessert (all $7) and Companion finally felt the French vibe enough to order the exquisite Crème Brulee with its thick crunchy top and classic creamy texture below.  The two sweet squares of Scottish shortbread dusted with confectioner’s sugar were a nice additional touch.  My Lemon Thyme Tart was a thin taste of lemon on a thick sweet pastry crust to make a perfect trio with the accompanying Chantilly cream and fresh raspberries and blackberries.

Monday- Wednesday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday- Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.