By LEIGH FLYNN DOTY

Few things in life put a smile on someone’s face like a good breakfast. Residents of Louisiana are blessed with so many delicious flavors and dishes, no matter what time of day or season of the year. Those memories and unique flavors, blended together, served as the inspiration behind one local restaurant.

It was the thought of family time – “starting the day together with a morning cup or two of coffee” – that led Eddie Meche Jr. and his wife, Patricia, to open le Bistreaux Coffee and Waffle Bar in Alexandria.

“My wife and I both share a passion for good food and great service,” Meche said. “When we decided to open le Bistreaux early in 2016, we wanted it to be unique, and we wanted it to be sustaining.”

Their three sons, Cohen, Caden, and Channing, are part of that concept of “sustaining” the restaurant as well.

One of the main aspects of their business is, of course, gourmet waffles. “Who doesn’t like waffles?” Meche asked. “From our home waffle maker to our travels that always included that ‘hotel waffle’. It was that thought of being unique that led us on the path of building a brand of gourmet espresso, coffee, and waffles.

So, le Bistreaux, which began with a very limited menu, is now a gourmet espresso bar and breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant. Adding family favorites and other options, the choices have grown from approximately 25 meals to a nearly endless number of combinations.

To satisfy the “sweet tooth,” le Bistreaux has a selection of gourmet sweet waffles in red velvet, blueberry, strawberry, or Louisiana Mudd. Another sweet option is the “Sweet Dough Pain Perdu”.
For those who enjoy something more savory, le Bistreaux’s fan favorite is the chicken and waffles. They also offer shrimp and grits, as well as the Eggs Benedict combinations.

Among their unique offerings are the boudin omelet, and le Couchon Benedict, which are constants on their menu. They also offer seasonal favorites, including the Hawaiian Waffle, the King Cake Waffle, the Gingerbread Waffle, and the Sweet Potato Waffle.

Meche says that, considering everything on their menu, their bestsellers are the chicken and waffles, boudin omelet, the Pain Perdu, and the Vanilla Bean Strawberry Waffle.

And for those who may simply need their caffeine fix, le Bistreaux features their freshly prepared, “National Champion” coffee beans.

The décor, the ambiance, even the selection of games customers can play while waiting on their food, all speak to the Meches’ vision for the restaurant to be a “southern social experience.”

“It’s where you come to meet friends, spend time with family or enjoy some time alone,” Meche said. “We offer a family-friendly dining experience that all ages will enjoy.”

Even before opening the restaurant, Eddie and Patricia were focused on providing exceptional service. They worked in healthcare services in the medical equipment, home health, medical practice, hospice and hospital industries.

“We are so blessed to call central Louisiana home,” Meche said, “and we feel so fortunate to be able to continue to serve the wonderful people of central Louisiana.”

Le Bistreaux Coffee and Waffle Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The restaurant is also available for events after 3 p.m. The restaurant is located at 5803 Coliseum Blvd. Suite H. They can be reached by phone at 318-445-2288 or email at lebistreaux@yahoo.com.