Agustin Brasserie interior, courtesy of the restaurant

I’ve heard from various FB (Facebook) friends about Agustin Brasserie, the newish French restaurant in the Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, #150 (SW corner of W. Congress St., west of the I-10.)

Although they opened in March, 2012, it took me several months to finally stop by for lunch. It’s a very upscale restaurant, with white walls, white dishes, fresh flowers, and black/white photos on the walls.

Le Menu has French appetizers such as Escargot (with herb garlic butter, white wine, crostini), French onion soup, Vichyssoise (warm potato leek soup). There are several salad selections as well such as Endive Roquefort, Salade Agustin, and Market Salad.

Since it was a bit hot (even in November) I just opted out for the Crab Cakes, though the Soft-Shell Crab BLT sounded terrific.

The French baguette bread (from La Baguette Bakery) arrived via waiter Danny quickly, and it was very crunchy and fresh. Within a few minutes my lunch dish appeared with fresh mixed garden greens in a light lemon oil dressing, and two superb crab cakes. I appreciate good crab cakes as that is usually what I order in most seafood restaurants if it is available, and aside from the most delicious ones I’ve ever had in Hawaii, these two were wonderfully soft and tasy, with a delicious lemon horseradish aioli sauce.

The exciting lunch choices include a Duck Confit Sandwich, Seared Skuna Bay Salmon, Risotto, and many other interesting entrees. For their lunch menu (click here http://www.agustinbrasserie.com/lunchweb.pdf)

There’s also a dessert menu for you big eaters, and the Chocolate Mouse with a raspberry coulis sauce sounded enticing, as did their Vanilla Creme Brulee.

Nice touch: the bill comes with “Merci” (thanks) at the bottom, like in France.

Agustin Brasserie Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 to 10 p.m., Saturday 5 to 10 p.m, Sunday 9 to 3 p.m. for brunch (separate menu with omelets, French crepes, & mimosas as well).

There is a full bar across from the dining table where you can sit on stools and eat as well. Plus there’s outdoor seating in the pleasant grassy courtyard of the Mercado. Phone: 520-398-5382, website, http://www.agustinbrasserie.com/

And I hear they’re having a special menu for New Year’s Eve.