Gotta give it a 3 1/2 stars.\n\nAfter constantly passing by Mimi's Caf\u00e9 for years to get our Sunday bagel at Einstein's next door, we finally took a chance and walked in. The wifey and I were convinced that if there's always a crowd on the weekend for breakfast maybe it's worth a look-see.\n\nMimi's Caf\u00e9 always rubbed me as an 'old folks' eatery, since there is often an abundance of seniors eating here just like another restaurant I know called Marie Callendar's. The inner d\u00e9cor of Mimi's was nice enough, kind of a French bistro/New Orleans vibe with the deep reds and the dark browns, and jazz playing in the background. But the place did overall keep an airy, breezy feeling with lots of windows and natural light.\n\nLooking at the menu, Mimi's is definitely on the French cuisine end. Lots of French inspired food options for breakfast. Especially the headings...hilarious! Things like 'Les Waffles', 'Le Griddle', and 'Les Omelettes' made me chuckle inside. I kept thinking a French version of the Muppets' Swedish Chef (yes, I know that is an oxymoron of sorts) was in the kitchen about to make my meal. \n\nAfter ordering some drinks we tackled what to try. The wifey got the Strawberry Waffle Perdu, Mimi's original pain perdu filling of cream cheese and orange marmalade on three petite waffles topped with fresh strawberry sauce. I got tall stack of four Mimi's Original Buttermilk Pancakes. We both opted to make our entrees a 'Le Grande Breakfast' for an extra $2.29 each. With this we got two eggs made any style, and our choice of bacon, pork or turkey sausage, ham, or Bayonne-style corned beef hash.\n\n15 minutes later it seems the French (Swedish) Chef had our order done! Nice looking plates with little fuss. Both dishes came with a bowl of fruit as a side which was a nice touch. Overall the food was pretty good, and the servings were decent. The wifey's Strawberry Waffle Perdu were good even though a bit on the sweet side with the strawberry sauce. The waffles were not soggy, with a nice crisp exterior but a slight chew to the inside. Mimi's pancakes were actually very good! Light, not doughy, not overcooked, with just enough flavor from the whipped butter and warm maple syrup. My eggs were cooked a perfect over easy and great for dipping pancakes into yolk-y goodness. But for us the standout were the little patties of corned beef hash! We love corned beef hash for breakfast (even the crap from the can), and Mimi's was a winner! Meaty, but not salty, and with just enough filler to keep them together. Went perfect with pancakes and eggs.\n\nService was good at least for us, our server was polite, very attentive, and made sure our drinks were topped off. Too bad she didn't have a French accent!\n\nI'd be back here again to Mimi's for lunch if the menu is still on the French inspired end. For breakfast it was a bit pricy, for two of us with drinks, entrees, tax and tip it came to just shy of $30. I don't mind spending money, but I really believe breakfast should be on the cheap end. So if you're value conscious you may be better off at your local Denny's for your Grand Slam. Come to Mimi's if you want a little frou-frou with your coffee.
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