Bicyclette Café and Wine is the premiere casual French country café in Wilson County. As you probably guessed, Bicyclette means “bicycle” in French. The inspiration for the name came from the bicycle route at Don Fox Park, near the previous location at the Mill in Lebanon. Today, Bicyclette Café and Wine calls Mt. Juliet home and another bicycle path is only steps away from the front doors.
Bicyclette Café and Wine is the premiere casual French country café in Wilson County. As you probably guessed, Bicyclette means “bicycle” in French. The inspiration for the name came from the bicycle route at Don Fox Park, near the previous location at the Mill in Lebanon. Today, Bicyclette Café and Wine calls Mt. Juliet home and another bicycle path is only steps away from the front doors.
Owner, Chris Burgess, grew up around the restaurant business. His mother Donna Burgess was a chef and he had the opportunity to work around many chefs over the years. Working with these chefs inspired Burgess to learn the art of fine French cooking. He moved to Mt. Juliet from New Mexico 16 years ago to attend Belmont University on a Danner scholarship. The scholarship, funded by Danner Foods Corporation was for young students who wanted to learn the restaurant business. Before opening Bicyclette Café and Wine, Burgess owned and managed the Factory Grille Restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He and his wife Sharon live in Mt. Juliet. They have three children and their youngest son attends Mt. Juliet High School.
Burgess’ philosophy behind the restaurant is that you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fun and interesting evening.
This feeling is apparent. Bicyclette Cafe brings a “Taste of France” to Wilson County when you walk through the front door. The atmosphere is laid back and the menu is classically French without being pretentious. The lunch menu is reminiscent of a Parisian bistro featuring soups, salads, pastries, quiches and sandwiches. Highlights include the traditional croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich), croque madame (grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg) and pastry stuffed with spinach, fennel, and ricotta cheese. The dinner menu includes regional dishes from Brittany, Provence and Paris. Specialties include truites aux noisettes (sautéed trout with hazelnuts), prosciutto poulet brochette (prosciutto stuffed chicken) and boeuf a la mode (slow roasted pot roast). All dinners finish with crisp greens dressed in vinaigrette and cheeses. Dessert is the piece de résistance with offerings like the pecan tart, chocolate ganache tort, crème brulee cheesecake or assorted cookies and pastries.
Live Jazz performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, monthly wine tastings and wine dinners are just a few of the special events held at Bicyclette Café. A charming private room is also available for luncheons and parties. Burgess also hopes to add a Sunday brunch in the near future. As the demand for local unique restaurants continues to grow, Burgess is proud to own a local independent restaurant that serves the needs of his community. Since relocating six months ago, the cafe has been doing well and is poised to exceed expectations.
BICYCLETTE CAFE
Hours of Operation
Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Sunday brunch coming soon!
14801 Lebanon Pike • Mount Juliet (Near Dunkin Donuts)
615-758-3551
For more information on special events visit www.bicyclettecafe.com