Our recent Saturday brunch at Toulouse, in charming River Oaks, was a delightful culinary journey marked by exquisite flavors and a touch of creativity that left us longing for more. Toulouse, known for its French café allure, boasts additional establishments in both Dallas and Plano. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance and attentive staff set the tone for what turned out to be an lovely midday experience.

The Lobster Tacos provided a captivating start to our meal. The crunchy mini taco shell encapsulated a luxurious filling of lobster, lemon oil, chives, caviar, and crème fraiche. Although the composition was nearly flawless, a mere hint of salt would have taken the dish to greater heights. While I anticipated the caviar to contribute ample salinity, it fell just a touch short for my personal preference.

The Petite Gougeres, delicate gruyere-stuffed cheese puffs with truffle oil, were a savory delight. Their texture was ethereal, seemingly melting in your mouth. While we initially deemed them near perfection, my request for honey as a dipping accompaniment unveiled a delightful dance of flavors, particularly fitting for brunch. The unanimous approval from our table spoke volumes about this dish.

The Assorted Deviled Eggs were also a hit, offering a playful reimagining of a timeless classic. Each serving offers four deviled eggs, each adorned with a unique topping, including short rib, pickled vegetable, crispy ham, and truffle. These variations exemplified the chef’s imaginative abilities with the ham and truffle-infused eggs standing out as exceptionally delectable highlights.

The Lobster Ceviche, however, fell short of our expectations. While the combination of jalapeno, cilantro, mango, and scallions was promising, the pomegranate seeds detracted from the otherwise buttery lobster. The dish lacked the depth and harmony we were expecting and left us disappointed.

On the other hand, the Eggs Benedict was a delight. The classic combination of poached eggs, smoked ham, and a toasted English muffin was perfection. The hollandaise sauce was nothing short of creamy perfection, elevating this classic dish to a standout status. While its traditional nature might lead some to overlook it in favor of more innovative options, when a dish is executed with such precision, it demands the attention it truly deserves.

The Steak and Egg Frites, offering a generous 10-ounce prime New York strip, sunny-side-up eggs, crisp pommes frites, and decadent bearnaise sauce, achieved success. The thinly sliced frites offered a delightful crunch, serving as a flawless complement to the expertly prepared, thick, and impeccably cooked steak. This dish showcased the mastery of the kitchen, rendering it an excellent choice for brunch.

For our dessert, the citrus black olive tart proved to be a revelation. This unconventional concoction seamlessly merged the basic flavors of a lemon tart with a daring twist of pureed black olives, delivering a surprisingly delightful experience. Despite my personal reservations about black olives, especially in a dessert, the addition of these unique ingredients cleverly balanced the tartness of the lemon, culminating in a truly unforgettable closing to our meal that eloquently showcased the chef’s imaginative prowess.

Our exploration extended to the cocktail menu, where Toulouse displayed a diverse range of libations. The Chanel No 6, a delightful combination of vodka, Chambord, pineapple, and champagne, was a harmonious blend of flavors. The French 77, featuring gin, champagne, and freshly macerated raspberries, was a refreshing option. While the Toulouse Old Fashioned with bourbon, apricot brandy, honey, and absinthe mist was well-crafted, it leaned slightly on the sweet side for our taste. In addition, Toulouse offers an extensive wine list with offerings ranging between $36 and $500 for a bottle. They also have many wines by the glass.

The attentive and accommodating wait staff added to our experience, providing impeccable service throughout. Unfortunately, the sweltering heat kept us from enjoying the live music on the patio, but we look forward to returning to enjoy the trio over a future brunch.

In conclusion, Toulouse’s brunch was splendid with a few minor missteps that didn’t detract from the overall experience. Overall, Toulouse earns a rating of 4 crowns. We left with our palates and bellies satisfied.