lunch in the Slope

Issue: Can I find a good spot for ladies who lunch on a budget in the North side of the Slope?

With all the amazing restaurants in the neighborhood, it is somewhat surprising that weekday lunch options are so limited. Especially on Mondays and especially when said Monday falls on a national holiday. Alas, I made the trek out with three lovely ladies to chat, eat and waste the day away.

Rule: Many restaurants are closed on Monday and many more do not make themselves available for lunches on weekdays.

The blocks surrounding my tiny apartment are filled with shuttered and chained restaurants during the day. Restaurants that light up and fill up on weeknights and weekends suddenly blight a neighborhood in the middle of the weekday. Unlike lunchtime in downtown Brooklyn where I spend most of my weekdays, (which is hopping with lawyers, clients, law students and those accused) Park Slope (which is crowded with baby strollers and underemployed and students during the day) is quiet. You can go blocks without even finding a place to get a decent sandwich, especially now that Tempo Presto is closed.

Application: I just wanted a place to go with some girlfriends on a chilly day off. I suggested Moutarde, even though I had the terrible luck of going there one time when the waitstaff forgot to put in our order. They were terribly apologetic and the food was good, so all was forgiven in order to give it another go.
The place was nearly full but not loud. We got a bright and sunny four top near the entrance but protected from the cold. Service was prompt and attentive. My latte, however, was nearly cold when it arrived. Unfortunate for a cold day. My Croque-Monsieur was appropriately decadent and balanced nicely with a small salad. No one rushed us, we were free to linger in the sun and so we did. The adorable French-ness of the place makes lingering quite easy and leaving quite difficult. It could easily have been an afternoon where we could have switched to wine and cocktails after lattes, snacked on a croissant or two (chocolate, of course) and made it into an entire afternoon. Which is what I think they are going for...

Conclusion: Solid, unfussy French style brunch. Only two blocks from Union and the only thing open for blocks. The restaurant must realize this and understand their distinct standing as a unique place in the Slope. Otherwise, they would have kicked us out as soon as our forks were down.