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Like the old school cartoon character, "Wimpy," I'm a fan of burger in every shape, size and variety, and during my restaurant adventures, I'm always on the lookout for a delicious burger, For the last year or so, I've been hearing great things about the signature cheeseburger served at La Provence Restaurant and Terrace in Roseville, which may seem to be an unlikely match-up, as La Provence is a French restaurant. But, I just HAD to try one of their burgers, and reality happened late Saturday morning, February 03, 2018. As with all restaurant reviews I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: La Provence Restaurant and Terrace opens early on Saturday, at 0930 for brunch - the normal opening time is 1130 - and I arrived around 11 o'clock on Saturday morning, February 03, 2018 for brunch, but I had burgers on my mind. According to many sources, La Provence makes the best burger in Roseville, so being the lover of hamburgers that I am, I just had to forgo breakfast and enjoy a burger.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, you're greeted by friendly Jacquie, who will seat you at the table of your choice. I considered sitting at the bar, but since the outside temperature was in the upper 60's, I chose to sit outside on the terrace, and enjoy the lovely spring-like weather in early February.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, look to your left, and you'll find a small espresso and pastry bar.
Photo: Straight ahead is the full-service bar, which is quite vacant on this late Saturday morning.
Photo: I have never had the pleasure to visit France - or any other European country - but the center dining room reminds me of a large dining room in a luxury French château, and this dining room is probably the closest you'll ever get to France in Roseville. I believe "simple elegance" would be another way to describe this comfortable dining room. This is not a truck stop diner, and a very different variety of restaurant that I usually patronize!
Photo: The main dining room faces the terrace, the great outdoors, and overlooks one of the many greenbelts the City of Roseville has to offer. There is no other way to describe this dining room than elegant, as the polished flagstone floor offers an elegant foundation, the high ceiling, with the torch-like light fixtures add a "medieval look," and each table has a view of the beautiful outdoors. As I mentioned earlier, La Provence Restaurant and Terrace is not a truck stop diner, and a very different restaurant than the variety that I usually frequent. Actually, I shine up like a dull penny, and I have been to a few nice restaurants in Roseville, but I must say the decor of La Provence is among the best in town.
Photo: The restaurant's web site advertises, "The flavors of France and the Mediterranean Region prepared with California style, in a garden setting," and the brunch menu reflects upon that theme. The menu offers only two burgers: "Hamburger Provencal," and the meatless "Portobello Burger." Considering the fact that many local "foodies" proclaim La Provence serves the best burger in Roseville, and the fact it's the only burger on the menu, means they must concentrate their efforts into one awesome burger. Count me in!
Photo: The terrace offers comfortable dining with a spectacular view of one of the many greenbelt parks that Roseville has to offer. Oak trees are native to our area and are in abundance and offer shade, and stately beauty. This greenbelt offers a hiking trail, which follows the course of Pleasant Grove Creek, which I hike regularly, and offers plenty of semi-wildlife viewing, with many varieties of birds, including abundant flocks of wild turkeys, and mammals such as raccoons, skunks, coyotes, deer, and even a mountain lion or two.
Photo: I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I was seated, I was presented with a plate of bread, croissants and butter, which made a pleasant appetizer for my meal. Note the chilled water in the frosted glass which has a slice of orange to enhance the presentation, and the flavor.
Photo: Before I even set foot on the terrace, I knew I was going to order the "Hamburger Provencal," as I had read about it, and I had been dreaming about it for a long time. My super-friendly server, Kane, delivers my burger and fries with a friendly smile.
Photo: Thanks, Kane, for snapping my photo, on my request, as I prepare to enjoy a delicious burger. La Provence is a very classy restaurant, but the dress is casual - there is no dress code, even for dinner - but since I'm dressed like I'm going four wheeling, it was probably best that I enjoyed lunch on the terrace.
Photo: My "Hamburger Provencal" arrived with a "skyscraper" of fries, with a helping of ketchup on the side, perfect for dipping. The square plate only adds to the stunning presentation. For my side dish, I opted for "regular" fries, but sweet potato fries, soup of the day, house salad or a Caesar salad are options. Sweet potato fries offered for no additional charge? That's value!
Photo: The burger begins with a half pound of Angus beef. I knew that I couldn't possibly eat the whole burger, for lunch, so I asked it to be cut in half, as I planned to take the second half home for dinner. A cut burger makes for a great photo, especially when photographed outdoors! Naturally, your burger is cooked "your way," and I chose medium, which is my de facto standard way to enjoy a burger. My "Hamburger Provencal" in all of it's glory arrived on a fresh, in-house baked, sweet bun. Actually, this isn't a hamburger, as to my surprise, several varities of cheese, including brie, provolone, Cheddar and more. So, the name should read "Cheeseburger Provencal," but maybe the "cheese" sounds "cheesy...?" Whatever the case, I ordered Cheddar cheese, and... I could actually taste the cheese on my burger! Camalized onion and romaine lettuce round out this amazing burger. The burger doesn't include ketchup, mustard or relish, as condiments would only diminish the flavor of this amazing burger. I don't think the burger includes any condiments, except perhaps butter on the bun, but the taste of this burger is sensational, standout, and a knock-out. Simply delicious... You need both hands and plenty of napkins to enjoy this burger. At $15.00, this burger and fries is not "fast food cheap," but you get what you pay for, and you get every nickel's worth in this amazing burger.
Photo: The cut open "Hamburger Provencal" shows all of the goodness, including the half-pound Angus beef patty, Cheddar cheese, onion, romaine lettuce and tomato. There are no condiments, as they're not needed, and would only detract from the flavor of this wonderful burger. It is not difficult to find a great burger in Roseville, as the place is awash in a sea of quality burgers. I've heard from many sources that the "Hamburger Provencal" is considered to be the best burger served in Roseville. I'm not going there, as I really don't know who serves "the best burger in Roseville," but I CAN tell you that the moist, juicy and simply delicious "Hamburger Provencal" is a worthy contender for any burger award burger lovers and "foodies" of Roseville have to offer. La Provence Restaurant and Terrace Copyright(c) 2018 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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