Le Express Bistro and Bar- Wappinger Falls, NY

I love French cuisine, especially the more rustic offerings. There is an elegance in taking a few simple ingredients and turning them into culinary delights. I have found a new favorite right here in the Hudson Valley.

Le Express Bistro and Bar sits in a strip mall just a bit south of Red Oak Mill. From the outside it is unassuming, however once inside it is warm and inviting, decorated in a classic French mixture of rustic and Provincial. 

They have been on my wish list for some time now and having seen them listed on Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, we decided to stop by for lunch. This turned out to be a wise move. We got there shortly after they opened, so there was no crowd and we were seated near a window which made the photography easier. 

We looked over the regular menu and went with the Restaurant Week menu, a three-course lunch for $21 each. I ordered the escargot, the Croque Monsieur, and the crepe. Teresa ordered the Brussels Sprouts salad, the Sweet Pea Pancake, and the Warm Chocolate Lava Cake. 

My escargot was delightful, and it probably raised my cholesterol a bit from all of the butter, but it was worth it. The Croque Monsieur was excellent and it came with a tasty small salad of some ever so slightly bitter greens and some of the best fries I have had in some time. I am certain they were house made. 

Teresa was thrilled with her appetizer and I took a taste and could see why. She enjoyed the pancake and gave me some to try. The flavor notes were impressive. The crepe was just right and the lava cake is now sitting in the fridge for later. 

Overall, Le Express is an excellent French restaurant with amazing food and impeccable service in a quaint setting. We will certainly be going back again and I strongly recommend you give them a try. Check out their website for more information.