February 25, 2020
Ever feel stressed out? Need a break from classes? Maybe you just want to get out of the house or cramped dorm for a little while? The solution is located just a few miles down the road from main campus at 4771 N. Academy Blvd. Once you see that beautiful red, white and blue French flag waving in the breeze, you know you have reached your destination.
The French Kitchen is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy some time with friends, but it is also great for picking up a quick, delicious treat.
Baguettes, croissants, cookies, cakes and savory sandwiches: you name it. The French Kitchen has plenty of options for just about every taste bud. The chocolate chip cookie, one of the simplest items baked in The French Kitchen, was the most delicious chocolate chip cookie I have ever eaten; imagine how good everything else is.
The various options of foods, hot and cold, may seem overwhelming, but no matter what you choose, odds are that it will taste pretty good. Some items are quite recognizable to the American restaurant-goer, but others will have your tongue in a twist just trying to pronounce it.
All “viennoiserie” items (dry pastries, such as croissants) are baked fresh in the store daily by a French chef, so you know they are authentic. You may as well be in France. Not feeling hungry and want some coffee instead?
The French Kitchen is still the place to be. Forget overpriced coffee chains, just head over to the kitchen and get your favorite cappuccino, latte or Dutch hot chocolate. The coffee is supplied by the highly regarded Italian coffee brand Illy, so do not expect a regular cup of joe.
They also have a few cold options as well (mochas, lattes and bubbly drinks). If you plan to get an espresso, take it like a shot, of course. You might be wide awake all day, but that is perfectly fine. Everything is cooked or baked fresh in store, from scratch, and prices are reasonable. Not to mention, for such great quality, the treats and drinks are a steal.
Blandine Mazéran, owner of The French Kitchen, moved to Colorado Springs from France in 2008 and offers cooking classes to “share the art of French cooking,” according to The French Kitchen website. She is a single mother of three teen girls, so she understands how crazy life can get. She teaches recipes that are quick and easy, but that can also be made in large quantities.
The French Kitchen is such a special place in Colorado Springs and deserves the recognition as such. That is why I recommend the establishment to all UCCS students and community members.
I cannot stress enough how great the atmosphere of the place is. The colors are bright, and French music plays in the background. My mood instantly improved when I stepped through the doors.
The cafe gets busiest in the late mornings, especially on weekends. Do not let that deter you from paying a visit. Even though at times the wait may be long, rest assured that it is much worth it.
The French Kitchen is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. They are also closed on holidays. However, private events can be scheduled outside of the opening hours, according the website.
I absolutely loved The French Kitchen and cannot wait to show it to all my family and friends. Maybe I have also found a good spot for a casual date night or a roommate adventure.