La Rue Marche Cafe offers mix of specialties from different regions
It took husband and wife chefs Jesus and Leslie Cibrian a while to find what they felt was just the right place for their new restaurant, La Rue Marche Cafe, 2710 E. Desert Inn Road, but they are pleased with the space they found, a former Chinese buffet that had been shuttered for five years.
“We wanted a place that was suited for our concept of a bistro restaurant and market,” said Leslie, co-CEO and general concept manager for the cafe. “It feels like we’re being embraced by the neighborhood.”
The market isn’t slated to open until the fall, but the Cibrians say they have a high level of indications of customer satisfaction and a lot of repeat customers already, even though the cafe has been open only two months.
The food is a mix of specialties from many regions and countries.
“We call it global or international,” Leslie said. “We have a little bit of everything, and we just make sure we execute it well.”
La Rue Marche Cafe is the first restaurant the couple have owned, but they have a long history in food and meal preparation. The pair have had long careers with Aramark, a company that provides food service, facilities and clothing for large institutions and organizations. Leslie has worked in the culinary arts for 20 years, 18 at Aramark. She trained as a pastry chef and was an important part of the pastry programs of Aramark, traveling the country revamping pastry programs.
Jesus was the executive chef at the Las Vegas Convention Center for 12 years and oversaw the expansion of the local convention center and also the ones in Santa Clara, Calif., and Phoenix. In 2004, he was the executive chef at the Summer Olympics in Greece.
“They brought us in because of the volume and quality of food we produce,” Jesus said. “The Summer Olympics are always dear to my heart.”
The pair are trying to create a space of quiet elegance, but with the right balance of low-key decor and customer service.
“It’s a nice, quiet place, the kind of place you could have a romantic evening at,” Jesus said. “We’re an international bistro and family restaurant. It’s very charming, presentable, but casual. We try to personalize our service. We talk to our customers and learn their likes and dislikes.”
La Rue Marche Cafe also has a bar with beer and wine, but Jesus said they are already becoming known for their sangria.
“We serve two kinds,” he said. “We have a red, garnished with apples, and a golden peach sangria. We also have fresh lemonade. We squeeze the lemons every morning and make it with just lemons, water and sugar.”
When the market opens in the fall, it is set to specialize in fresh flowers, produce, savory foods and baked goods. Until then, the couple said that they are building their clientele and learning how to refine their restaurant during the summer months, which are traditionally quiet for restaurants.
Visit laruemarchecafe.com or call 702-832-5997.
— To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor, email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.