Lunch Made By a French Chef

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Who knew that one could find authentic and approachable French cuisine from an accomplished chef in a Latrobe strip mall?

I was supposed to be backpacking through Europe this fall, but COVID-19 had other plans. Having accepted my fate that I would not be exploring European cuisine, I was delighted to find The French Express. I now have a European-inspired ritual for sunny days where I order takeout and then picnic in the nearby Twin Lakes Park or Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. Surrounded by natural beauty, I slow down from my American pace of eating and savor every bite, people watch, take photos of nature, and end my lunch with a leisurely stroll.

Chef Fichet, the owner, is clearly accomplished in French cooking techniques and also understands how to make his food welcoming to the Western Pennsylvania palate. The menu changes daily, so my favorite order is the lunch combo and I try something new each visit. The lunch combo is a choice of soup with baguette along with a sandwich, quiche, or salad. My favorite soups so far have been the tomato soups, which have been well-balanced in flavors and have a rich texture. As for the sandwiches, they can only be described as polyphonic: each fresh ingredient can stand on its own and they all harmonize well together. My favorite sandwiches are the prosciutto with roasted tomatoes and thyme and also the turkey and brie panini with roasted tomatoes and pear. (I especially love how the roasted tomatoes burst on my tongue.) I adore the arugula salad, an example of how the French Express’s values fresh and high-quality ingredients.

One can not make a mistake in ordering any of The French Express’s bakery items, which are popular among patrons. (When I went with F., we ordered nearly half the menu, which was just fine with me!) While I love their traditional croissants and baguettes, I recommend ordering the fruit tarts and clafoutis. Before you place your order, I also recommend perusing their well-curated assortment of prepared foods and packaged foods, which come from both local and European vendors. These include Scamps Toffee, Enrico Biscotti, and French mustards. Until I can visit France once again, I will be visiting The French Express when I need to slow down and enjoy a well-crafted yet comfortable meal.

The French Express

1020 Latrobe 30 Plaza, Latrobe, PA 15650