Croque Madame in Richmond — Brioche, Ham & a Fried Egg at Vogue Cafe

The croque madame arrives open-faced on a toasted brioche bun, European ham and melted cheese beneath a fried egg with a yolk still loose enough to run. It comes with a simple green salad on the side — $17, served all day until 8:30 pm at our Steveston bistro.

Monsieur vs. madame: the only difference that matters

A croque monsieur is ham, cheese, and bread — usually pain de mie — grilled or baked until the cheese stretches. Add a fried egg on top and it becomes a madame. The name is said to reference the egg's resemblance to a woman's hat; the practical effect is a sauce the moment your fork breaks the yolk. Our version uses brioche instead of sandwich loaf, so the crumb is richer and the crust caramelizes faster under the broiler.

How we build it

Brioche bun, split and toasted. A layer of European ham — mild, slightly sweet, cured longer than North American deli ham. Cheese melted over the ham under the salamander until it bubbles and browns at the edges. A fried egg slid on at the last second, whites set, yolk warm and liquid. Side salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut the richness. Knife and fork required.

Brunch, lunch, or late-afternoon reset

Brunch runs until 3 pm, but the Café Plates section — croque madame, croque monsieur, croque veggie, quiche Lorraine, spinach quiche — stays on the menu straight through dinner. Pair it with a latte ($6) or a glass of Côtes du Rhône (6 oz $11) if the day calls for wine. The covered side patio has red-checkered tablecloths and a dog bowl by the door; the front bar-height tables catch the village foot traffic.

What people ask

Is the croque madame served all day? Yes — Café Plates are available from 10:30 am until close at 8:30 pm, seven days a week.

Can I get it without the egg? That's the croque monsieur, same brioche, same ham and cheese, $17.

Is the ham imported? European ham, per the printed menu — cured in the European style, milder and less salty than typical Canadian smoked ham.

Do you do a vegetarian version? The croque veggie swaps ham for sautéed spinach, keeps the egg and cheese, same brioche, same price.

Next step

Walk in at 12251 No 1 Rd #130, Steveston Village, or call (604) 370-4444 to reserve a table for 7–10 guests in the private dining area. We're open daily 10:30 am–8:30 pm.