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On a lunch break my friend had an idea to eat somewhere. The conversation went something like, "Let's go eat in Brisbane"... "Ok where?"... "Star Box"... "Why would we want to eat lunch at a lame coffee shop?"... "No STAR BOX"... "Yeah Star Bucks!! WHY THERE???"... "Oh forget it, you'll see"...
Anyway I was pleasantly surprised by this quaint little eatery with barely any room to eat inside but with ample sidewalk seating. It's run by some really friendly french people and they make some kick butt quiche. Yeah that's right quiche can kick butt. I'm surprised I'm saying it myself.
They also make an awesome croq-- first time I ever had it before. "Croq" as in what a frog would way not as in a species of reptile or foot apparel. It's basically a sandwich, with cheese, meat, and grilled. It's yummy as hell. They also have a nice assortment of bottled beverages not typically carried elsewhere.
Nice place just change the name, so as there is no confusion bewtween a cool french eatery and a soulless corporate coffee dispensary.
Words don't do the food served at Star Box Food any justice. You will just have to go try it yourself.
If you work in the office building compound in Brisbane, this little gem is only 5 minutes away. Ample street parking, nice quiet outdoor seating, reasonable prices and outstanding food. Small. Artisan. Locally owned. The neo-hippy in me is bursting with snacky happiness. You won't be disappointed.
Sadly, I am usually at work when this cafe opens (understandably, they serve the work in Brisbane crowd, which is considerably larger than the live in Brisbane but work at a school that requires you be there at 7:45 a.m. crowd).
However, for 2 months out of the year, I can sleep in and lazily meander there around 9, or 10, or whenever. In June, I had a teacher meeting at my house and needed some fantastic snacks (teacher types are usually only placated by very good snacks. Otherwise, forget it), so I remembered StarBox and stopped by to pick up something, maybe croissants?
What I found it that not only can you get croissants, but if you give him 20 minutes or so, you can have fresh, steaming hot out of the oven croissants. The kind people write French romantic comedies about.
So I ordered 10 croissants (half regular, half chocolate) and went away. I came back about 25 minutes later, but alas, they were still cooking. Fabrice, the owner, sensing my increasing stress level (teachers were due to arrive at my house in Brisbane in 15 minutes, and teachers don't like their precious time wasted) asked if I lived in Brisbane, because he could deliver them to me if I did.
Wow, it's just like I live in a small town, filled with small town charm and service. Oh, wait, I do.
So about 15 minutes later, I am getting my teacher guests and serving mimosas (did I mention teachers work better with each other when slightly inebriated?) and I casually drop that, "Oh yes, the Frenchman from the bakery is bringing the croissants." It was like I had said Arne Duncan was visiting, only the opposite: "Ohh, there is a Frenchman? And he is bringing croissants here?"
And almost immediately, Fabrice knocks and hands over a bag of steaming hot croissants.
And, OMG, they were AMAZING. Like pull apart and they are still steaming, light, buttery, melt in your mouth, healthy eating be damned goodness. Quote "These are the best croissants I have ever had" -prominent Sonoma State professor.
Anyway, I love living in a town where a Frenchman who owns a bakery down the street not only makes fresh croissants to order, but will bring them to your door (if the croissants are taking too long to achieve their inevitable state of perfection).
Minus one star because the lattes I've had there are not very good. But, really, who cares.
This place is sooo cute! The food is wonderful and they have great service. It's good for everyone! I'm a vegan and I love it and the person who turned me on to this place loves meat.
If you call ahead they get the food will be ready when you get there!
Only downfall is they are cash only.
I love this place! Best French food in the bay area. Well worth the trip into the quaint, downtown of Brisbane. Fabrice knows his stuff and the ingredients are organic and top notch. Also, he uses his mother's recipes. So if you want a taste of old-world French, make the trip. You won't be disappointed.
Just had the ham sandwich boxed lunch - the bread was SOOO good, I wish I had a loaf to take home! I love their salad dressing, too - appears to be a creamy balsamic, on the thin side so a little goes a long way on their tasty, fresh greens. Haven't tried the desserts yet - I don't need that addiction nearby! - but the mousse looks really good. Maybe one day I'll give in. ;-)
The proprietor is so friendly, too - I love supporting great local businesses.
Five stars for Star Box - you've got another regular! :-)
Star Box Food makes the best quiches (besides my mother) in the US! I also love their salumi sandwhich and their onion soup.
Seriously folks, the is the best food you are going to get for lunch in the South SF/Brisbane area.
Go now!
Oui!
Yum!
Frenchy!
:o)
~ Ms. Ali
Went here for the first time earlier this week. I've been wanting to try this place for a while, especially since I'm such a Francophile. I read from the reviews that the owner was French, and since I recently came back from Paris and felt that much more confident with my conversational French, I decided to talk to him in his native language. Fabrice was extremely nice, like most of the French I encountered on my trip.
I ordered the Croq Provencal and my boyfriend ordered the Tomato Tart. We took option #3, which comes with your choice of quiche or sandwich with a salad, dessert, and a drink. I think $11 is not bad for a fairly filling lunch.
I loved my Croq Provencal. It was soooo good. My boyfriend and I did think that the one small measly slice of the tomato tart was not enough--especially since the sandwiches are almost 3 times as big as a slice of the tart.
My only thing would be if they could add Orangina to their drink options or allow you to pick the Limonade for Box #3. Those are my only qualms. Other than that, it definitely has the feel of a Parisien eatery--complete with the baskets on the wall full of baguettes.
the food is delicious - quiche is better than I can make! ok, maybe that doesn't say a lot, but with so many poor quality quiches out in the world, this is one I savor. their box lunches and breakfasts are great for the office - top quality foods at a reasonable price. Fabrice is wonderful to work with; he really wants to share his food and make it a good experience for you. stop by if you are in the area during open hours, or order a delivery for your next office lunch. you won't be disappointed! yum!
This is a review of the catering...
Everything catering is supposed to be: convenient, personal, good food, on time delivery, good prices... Star Box Foods has it covered. They let me focus on planning the "meeting" part of my lunch meeting and not the "lunch" part.
I would highly recommend Star Box to you for your event!
PS - get the bacon quiche (and the chocolate mousse!!)
Did I ever in my wildest dreams believe that I could go into Brisbane and get an apple tart for dessert with my lunch? In the Bay Area absolutely, in Brisbane, well no, not really. The same place with an homage to fire hydrants on the corner of Visitacion has this kind of place?
Well it's very refreshing and I honestly hope it does well. Through and through this is a mini-patisserie that hopes to maintain a regular lunch clientele and from the taste of things they should be successful. A ham sandwich on buttered baguette? I mean come on, you have to dead not to enjoy that. What really raised my eyebrows was the apple tart dessert that came with my box lunch. Wow - did this really come from Brisbane? The dressing for the salad, that I can only assume was homemade also made was great dipping sauce for my sandwich.
This appeals to me when I don't want a big honkin' Little Lucca concoction, and I can't bear the thought of subway. This is really well crafted and to some extent you feel like you're getting something special here.
I'm lookin' forward to my next visit! Merci Beaucoup, Fabrice.
I'm a novice at French cuisine, and if you are too then Star Box is a fantastic introduction!
I personaly do not like onion soup as a general rule, unless it's French Onion Soup in which case I don't mind it. However, the Onion Soup at Star Box is so incredible, I actually keep ordering it! Delicate and almost sweet made with artisian bread and cheese. It's the "bon" in "bon appetite".
But if you like quiche, you would be a complete an utter idiot to not at least try their Salmon Quiche. Light, succulent salmon melts in your mouth. If you had to pick a last meal, this would probably make it on most people's list. Don't believe me? Fine, then try it and see!
The coffee beverages are the finest quality you can get in Brisbane competing with Madhouse and Mangiare. A latte from Starbox is not meant to be gulped down during your rushed morning commute, rather it must be gotten aquainted with, savoured and properly enjoyed. Try it, you will see!
All items are extraordinarly price friendly in this tiny quaint cafe.
It is nearly literally as if a bit of Paris has been transplanted to Brisbane.
Really, check it out!
If you like cheese, you'll love their hot sandwiches. If you can afford to spend about $10, you can get yourself a mini quiche or sandwich with organic salad and a molleux packaged in a box.
Pros-I love cheese. A lot of their hot sandwiches have swiss cheese and have cheese on top. Their quiches are also delicious. Salads are fresh and organic. Plus, you get a lil dessert that reminds me of a soft cake.
If you enjoy pate, try their cold pate sandwich.
Cons-A bit pricey and a bit too rich in flavor if you're only like boiled/steamed food but not for me!
First review for Star Box Food! I've lived in Brisbane now for almost 8 years. In that short time, I've seen many improvements-the town Mural and the dog park to name a few. Star Box Food is a much-needed and welcomed addition. What was the Happy Hoagie, which I'm sure many were sad to see go, is now Star Box. An updated modern, French-country cafe with a brand new menu boasting French favorites, such as Croq' Monsieur, specialty quiches, tarts and salads. The star is now even brighter in Brisbane!!
Congrats owners for creating the perfect addition for Brisbane visitors and locals alike.
Quiche? Good, not great, not heated up quite enough. Croque Monsier? Blegh.
A cute place, good for lunch..... if you live in the 1 sq mile of Brisbane and can't make it to the real food in the real world.
They don't have an incredibly wide selection, but the food that they do have is quite good. The restaurant is small (1 bar + barstools for maybe 3 people inside, and 2 tables with 2 chairs each outside) so there might not be seating if others are there. I got one of their warm sandwiches, but it wasn't that substantial. The tomato made it a bit soggy, but overall not bad. My coworker got a baguette, and I think that's the way to go. The croissants looked quite delicious too. Good lunch place.
2nd visit: Ordered a pate baguette and wow there was a positive change in the past month or so since the last time I visited. The sandwich portions increased by 50% and the mustard salad dressing is yummy. It's definitely enough for a whole meal now. Highly recommended.
This place is really cute. It's a tiny little cafe in Brisbane. Keep in mind, though, that all shops in Brisbane are little and cute. It's an odd city. There's no gas station...anyway, this little cafe is what the title says...star box food. You really buy the food and it comes in a little box with a star on it and food inside. :) The food is really good. I usually get the quiche or the Croq' Monsieur. The price is decent and it usually comes with a salad, which is really fresh. I'm a fan!
I love this wonderful new spot in town. The food is fabulous! I especially love the French onion soup, but the box lunches are also delicious. The bread is always fresh, the sandwiches simple and perfect, the salad greens and dressing light and yummy, and the dessert deliciously decadent! The owner is always pleasant and helpful.
The wonderful thing about this spot is that it taught me something. I've grown up on deli sandwiches, thinking they needed to be stuffed with tons of meet and fillers. The sandwiches here are beautifully simplistic -- fresh and tasty french bread, butter (a new one for me on a sandwich), a much smaller amount of meet than we Americans are used to, cornishons (small French pickles), and greens. It's perfection!!! The focus is on each individual ingredient and how they complement each other. Who would have known -- less is better! I'm a convert.
I'm so glad to get a nice new cafe in Brisbane. I live in San Francisco, but work in South San Francisco, and after being spoiled by the city fare, food options here leave much to be desired. This cafe is a breath of fresh air. They have the freshest french bread and all of their other ingredients are quality, and it really is like a little taste of France. Sweet spot. I highly recommend checking it out.
I went to this wonderful little bistro-styled French take-out, Star Box, located in Brisbane yesterday for lunch. If you haven't been to Brisbane recently, this little shop is worth the trip.
The owners are a married couple from France and most of what is served is home-made, including the French onion soup, which they are introducing on Monday. I had the tomato tart, the butter lettuce salad and the pear tart (which is insanely intense and flavorful). Everything was fresh and wonderfully tasty. Portion sizes are not huge, but that is the French way to serve food - nevertheless, very satisfying. The inside of the cafe is quite small, but lovely, and there are two tables outside for customers to sit at while sipping their cappucinos and admiring San Bruno Mountain.
If you would like to view their entire menu, here is their web site: http://www.starboxfood.... They also sell beautiful freshly baked French bread (baked off-site).
With enough of a customer base and demand, they will also open on the weekend for brunch. At some point, though, with any luck, they'll need to find a bigger space because they are popular.
The only thing that is missing is Edith Piaf singing in the background. :o)
I love this place! I've been going since the day Fabrice opened, and often pick up a quiche for a special meal, or lovely lunches anyday. Fabrice also caters events small and large. Wonderful!
Damn I leave Brisbane and there is finally something worth wanting. I love little french places where people smoke outside and yell at each other. There really is no reason to go to Brisbane but if you happen to be there then this would be the place to eat, all the rest are how do you say. . . sub-par.
Absolutely charming and delicious. I go here once or twice a week.
I decided to grab lunch at Star Box last Thursday. I am a sucker for a good Croq Monsieur. Other places try to make the sandwich but never come close. Star Box did not disappoint with the sandwich oozing with ham and cheese melted to perfection. In addition to the sandwich I had a Pear Tart which had a light flaky crust and was oh so yummy!! I can't wait to come back to try the other desserts.
This charming storefront French cafe opened near my workplace a month after our honeymoon in France and the conclusion that the best food in the world was there. The peppercorn pate sandwich on a fresh baguette with cornichon is my favorite. The chocolate mousse is incredible. Try their specialty, the chocolate moelleux, a light chocolate mini muffin. I've never tasted anything like it before and am now addicted. Will be sure to sample the tomato tart next. It looks delicious. Loved the french onion soup and gelato. Gourmet Brisbane has arrived!
What's better than having a lunch outside in the sun of Brisbane?
a lunch with great food! I've been having my lunch in Brisbane for 8 years now, working nearby. You quickly run out of options here. But recently I've been grabbing a nice pate sandwich (on a great fresh and crusty baguette bread) or one of the quiches sold at Star Box, forgetting completely my previously usual spots. It's fantastic to have a touch of France in something else than a fancy restaurant setup. The owner, Fabrice, is really friendly and always welcomes you with a smile. The decoration is nice, and you can eat inside quickly sitting on one of the high stools against the wall but I prefer to enjoy the tables on the sidewalk outside or go down the block in Brisbane's quiet public park and take it easy.
And to finish on a sweet note, you will definitely enjoy either the moelleux (soft chocolate cake), the chocolate mousse or the gelato.
Soon, I'll have to try the plain and chocolate croissants freshly cooked in 20min only when you order. And by the way, it's also a great spot to grab an espresso.
Excellent fresh food, very friendly atmosphere, affordable prices. Highly recommend it!
This is exactly what Brisbane needed! Great little spot that is very tastefully done inside.We were excited to see this place open and it hasn't dissapointed on the fare. Delicious, fresh, flavorful foods that are cooked by a very nice French couple. We are excited that they are part of our community. The only thing we can't wait for is the weekend brunch/coffee!
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