Croque Monsieur in Richmond — European Ham, Cheese, Brioche at Vogue Cafe

The croque monsieur at Vogue Cafe is a $17 café plate: European ham, cheese, a soft brioche bun, and a side salad. It arrives open-faced so the cheese browns under the salamander, the ham stays sweet, and the brioche holds its shape without turning soggy. You can walk in or reserve at (604) 370-4444; brunch runs until 3pm and the kitchen stays open until 8:30pm every day.

What makes this one different

A classic Parisian croque uses pain de mie, béchamel, and Gruyère, then goes back under the grill until the sauce bubbles. We skip the béchamel and bake on a brioche bun instead — richer crumb, slight sweetness, crust that crisps fast. European ham is leaner and less salty than North American deli cuts, so the cheese (a meltable French-style blend) carries the savour without needing a heavy sauce. The side salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette; it cuts the richness rather than decorating the plate.

Brioche vs. pain de mie

Pain de mie is tight-crumbed, neutral, built to carry béchamel. Brioche brings butter and egg into the dough. When the top hits the broiler, the sugars caramelize in seconds — you get a lacquered crust and a tender interior. That contrast is the whole point. If you prefer the traditional version, the savoury crêpes ($17) are buckwheat galettes folded around ham, cheese, and egg; they deliver the same ham-and-cheese satisfaction on a completely different texture.

Croque Monsieur, Madame, Veggie — same bun, three plates

| Plate | Price | Core filling |

|-------|-------|--------------|

| Croque Monsieur | $17 | European ham, cheese |

| Croque Madame | $17 | European ham, egg, cheese |

| Croque Veggie | $17 | Sautéed spinach, egg, cheese |

The Madame adds a fried egg — yolk breaks, mixes with melted cheese, essentially becomes its own sauce. The Veggie swaps ham for spinach cooked down until the water’s gone, so the bun doesn’t steam. All three come with the same salad.

When to order it

Brunch until 3pm: pair with a latte ($6) or a glass of La Vieille Ferme rosé ($11/6oz). Lunch after a boardwalk walk: the plate is light enough to keep moving. Dinner: add a Kronenbourg 1664 ($9) or a Côtes du Rhône by the glass ($11). The dining room has deep-red walls and wood tables; the covered side patio has red-checkered cloths and a dog bowl by the door.

What to know before you go

• Address: 12251 No 1 Rd #130, Steveston Village, Richmond, BC V7E 1T6
• Phone: (604) 370-4444
• Hours: Mon–Sun 10:30am–8:30pm (brunch until 3pm)
• Fully licensed; liquor until midnight; private dining for 7–10 guests by arrangement
• No delivery claims — call to ask about takeout
• Dietary modifications: call and ask

What people ask

Is it served open or closed? Open-faced — cheese on top, broiled.

Does it come with fries? No, a side salad.

Can I get it without ham? Order the Croque Veggie ($17) — spinach, egg, cheese on the same brioche.

Is the patio heated? The side patio is covered with greenery walls; no heaters are listed in our facts.

Walk in or book online. The croque is on the printed menu in the window — you’ll see it before you open the door.