Le Catalan French Cafe Wine Bar

Loved this place! Be warned, it's a bistro, so there isn't an extensive menu, but what they do is done superbly.  My hubby and I split the Mediterranean trio (hummus, tapenade & pesto with a yummy baguette) as an appetizer. Plenty for 2 or even more.   Hubby had cassoulet special--fabulous! Very well made with artisanal sausage and loads of beans! My escargot feuillete was equally scrumptious, as long as you like garlic ( which I do). Creme Catalan is better than any creme brûlée and I even splurged with a cappuccino. This little gem is definitely on our " must visit" list when we return in warmer weather and can enjoy the outdoor seating!

I've passed by this place a few times while walking around downtown. I thought it was cute, and wanted to try it out, and lucky for me that happened recently while I was out with my dear friends. We all went in for dinner and drinks before hitting up some other spots and I'm glad this was their choice to dine.
Our waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable about all the wines on the menu. A few of the ladies are not big wine connoisseurs so our waitress was able to help themvpick out a wine that they were happy with. I knew right away I wanted a glass of the French Malbec, and it was perfect.
We all shared several plats of the cheese , charcuterie  and quiches, and I don't think any of us complained about one bite we had. It was terrific.
The inside is cozy and cute. Kinda small and not really reminiscent of a French brasserie, but that's okay cause we're not in France, are we?
I would like to try this place out one more time, but this time out on the deck in some warm weather.
I think this is a place to try if you want something different and intimate.

One of my very favorite friends took me here for our last lunch together before my family and I PCS'ed this past October. One, because I never even knew it existed until she suggested it because it is slightly hidden and two, we are both, huge winos. Le Catalan was exactly what we were looking for. Lovely waterfront view, lots of wine with a French cuisine. Heavenly, yes. We chose to wine and dine outside, under the awning to enjoy the beautiful weather and equally beautiful view.

We both split the Cheese plate and Pate platter, suggested by our lovely French speaking waitress. Delicious, BUT BEWARE, they serve this with a huge chunk of butter, which we thought was some delectable cheese at first, but then realized our stupidity afterwards. Apparently a lot of people have done this. So unless you enjoy eating spoonfuls of butter, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! After this and much wine, I had the Ham and Swiss Les feuilletés and she had the mushroom. Both were delicious. Try them!

The one thing I absolutely adored about this place was the thing I discovered upon my trip to "break the seal".. they have so much decor inside that was created using wine corks. Hanging Strands with beads, wall art, flowers, etc.. so unique (see photos). In fact, I totally stole their cork and bead strand idea and made my own to hang in my kitchen window. So, thanks, whoever decorated this place, for all the super cute ideas you've given me to use on the copious amount of wine corks i've been saving over the years.

This place is slightly pricey, but whatever.. Its awesome and cute and delicious and is just another thing to add to the shit I love about Downtown Wilmington.