Yesterday three co-workers and I ventured over to the Bleu Artichoke Cafe to grab a bite to eat and check out the lunch hot spot that we’ve been hearing so much about. This quaint hole in the wall bistro is located inside Found Antiques, an antique store on the newly renamed Riverfront Blvd. You really have to know where it is to find it. And apparently a lot of people know where it is because it was hopping!

The menu offers a light lunch fare with a good selection of soups, salads and sandwich combos. As a club sandwich connoisseur, I couldn’t pass up the half-sandwich & soup combo. I was very happily surprised with the club sandwich. The bacon was perfectly crisp (I can’t stand soggy bacon), and all of the ingredients were super fresh…which in my mind is truly the hallmark of an outstanding club sandwich.

My two male companions ordered the King Ranch Chicken Casserole which was served with the choice of a soup or salad. I ate a lot of King Ranch Casserole growing up (it is a great meal that you can cook ahead of time and freeze), so I was curious to see how they would like it, especially since neither had tried it before. They both cleared their plates but I got to sneak a bite.

(Okay, so I admit it may not be perfect etiquette to eat off of another person’s plate, but in the attempt to gather intel for LowerOakLawn.com readers I go the extra distance! I’m sure that Emily Post and my mother would understand.)

The KRCC was exactly how I remember it growing up! Lots of cheesy carb-filled goodness! Definitely what I’m ordering when I go back.

On top of the fresh food, the service was quick and the staff very friendly. The Bleu Artichoke is great place to try out if you’re in the mood for a quick, light lunch in the Design District!