Our community is fortunate to have an abundance of restaurants that showcase our
local flavor, with plenty of outstanding choices for great seafood. We are also
fortunate to have several noteworthy establishments that offer flavors from around
the world; among these, Maison Navarre is a particularly delectable example.
This Congress Street eatery is home to the most authentic French food in town.
From pastries to crepes (and much more), Maison Navarre has everything to
transport you, or at least your taste buds, to Paris.
On my most recent visit, I enjoyed a savory crepe called “La Nordique.” The crepe itself was
light and fluffy; inside, thinly sliced salmon rested on a bed of greens, tomatoes,
and dill cream, topped with squeezed lemon.
It was delicious. The salmon was moist and delicate, with a nice flavor that didn’t
overpower the other ingredients.
Of course, while I was there, I couldn’t have just a crepe, not with a bakery case full
of macarons begging to be sampled.
The variety of flavors (and colors) of the macarons was impressive. Maison Navarre
has traditional macarons, and macarons with ice cream fillings.
I decided to try the ice cream version. I had chocolate, coffee and pistachio.
It was hard to pick a favorite, but I thought the pistachio was rather original. It even
had pistachio pieces dusted on top of it.
The macaron cookies themselves were crunchy on the outside and soft on the
inside. There was enough ice cream to enjoy it, and to give the macarons a cool,
creamy texture, without turning them into little ice cream sandwiches.
The macarons, crepe and atmosphere of Maison Navarre really made me feel like I
was back in Paris. The gentleman behind the counter even had a French accent.
After looking up the restaurant online, I decided he must have been one of the
owners. Vincent Navarre and Charlotte Reymond grew up in Paris and Lyon,
respectively.
Reymond and Navarre have degrees and professional backgrounds in business, but
clearly, their passion is French food.
The restaurant’s website shares their vision: “All our products are as traditionally
French as they can get. We want to bring the French lifestyle to the Seacoast and
let people discover the true French Art de Vivre.”
The menu goes far beyond crepes and macarons. The coffee menu alone has a
dozen offerings.
For food, there’s plenty to explore. In addition to crepes, there are sandwiches (such
as The Rustic, with French fig jam, apples, Brie and spring mix), soups, quiches,
croques and salads (the Goat Cheese Salad is definitely on my list of things to try).
You’ll never leave Maison Navarre without an opportunity to satisfy your sweet
tooth. A variety of croissants and pastries are available, for dessert or just to treat
yourself.
It’s the only place I know of, locally, where they serve Paris-Brest, a delightful pastry
with a hazelnut cream filling. It’s one of my favorite pastries.
As if all of that wasn’t enough to bring you a taste of Paris, Maison Navarre also
features packaged goods from France, including fine cheeses, pâtés, vinaigrette,
mustard, crackers, mackerel, sardines and more.
Did I mention there’s a wine bar? I haven’t experienced this facet of the restaurant,
but I’m sure it’s extraordinary.
To plan your next Parisian adventure, without leaving town, check out Maison
Navarre at http://www.mnpastry.com/our-story/. The restaurant is located at 121
Congress Street; see the website or call 373-8401 for more information.
