Croque-Monsieur & Croque-Madame: From Paris to Mexico City
Welcome to Lilōu, a restaurant in Polanco offeringParisian‐style dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to a sidewalk café on the Boulevard des Capucines. In this post, we’ll explore the origin, history, and delightful curiosities behind the iconic Croque‐Monsieur and its elegant sister, the Croque‐Madame.
Try these iconic sandwiches at a French restaurant in Polanco
Croque-Monsieur and Croque-Madame are designed to surprise and delight with every bite. Their origins trace back to the cafés and brasseries of Paris, and today they bring a touch of French tradition to Lilōu, our sophisticated restaurant in Mexico City. Join us as we explore the fascinating history behind these iconic sandwiches.
The melting charm of Croque-Monsieur
Most origin tales trace the croque-monsieur back to the owner of Le Bel Âge café, Michel Lunarca. Around 1910, Lunarca is said to have christened his broiled sandwiches “Croque-Monsieur” after joking that they featured “mister meat,” earning them the nickname “crunchy mister.”
As for the recipe, it’s believed to have first appeared in Marcel Proust’s 1918 novel In Search of Lost Time. Today, Lilōu—regarded as the best restaurant in Polanco for brunch—makes it with brioche, Gruyère, béchamel sauce and honey-glazed ham for an extra depth of flavor.
The lady in the sandwich: Croque-Madame
Just when you thought the Croque-Monsieur couldn’t get any more extravagant, Parisian chefs topped it with a fried or poached egg, and thus the Croque-Madame was born. The name playfully references the lady’s hat, with the egg symbolizing a chic little chapeau resting atop her head. Enjoy brunch in Polanco with this elegant creation.
A restaurant in Mexico City with traditional French flavors
Over the decades, each bite of a Croque-Madame and Croque-Monsieur became a canvas for innovation: regional cheeses swapped in for local flavor, gluten‐free bread or sourdough for health‐conscious diners, truffle oil drizzle for an upscale finish.
Lilōu is committed to the traditional French recipe, and whether you visit our restaurant in Monterrey or in Mexico City, the comfort of these warm dishes will transport you to the cafés in Paris’s splendid streets.
How can I make a reservation at Lilōu for brunch in Polanco?
Making a reservation at the restaurant in Polanco Lilōu is quick and convenient. You can secure your table online, through a dining app, or by calling the restaurant directly.
At the end of the article the link to OpenTable will let you select your party size, your preferred date and time, and confirm your booking instantly. Or call +52 55 5327 7758 to speak with a host who can arrange your table, accommodate special requests, or assist with private events. Peak slots like breakfast and brunch often fill up fast.
Bringing Parisian flair to restaurants in Polanco
Lilōu’s Croque‐Madame and Croque‐Monsieur deliver both tradition and adventure. Each bite is a love letter to Parisian cafes, proving that simple ingredients, when treated with care, become timeless classics.
Ready to savor a slice of France? Join us at our restaurant in Polanco!
