The French have staked claim to a tiny spot in the heart of Independence all in the name of food. Given the high caliber of food, Independence might seem a small, but it used to be located in Olancha when the owners were related to the French-Canadian operators of Crystal Geyser Roxane Water bottling plant about 60 miles to the south.
It is a Django Reihardt plays through the small dining area which helps while away the time as you wait, there is no rush at the Still Life. Nearly every space is covered with framed photos. The signs declares, “Gourmet good with a French accent.”
The café is small with and intimate seating. The menu changes often, depending on the the seasons and chef’s appetite, along with some staples like burgers, Croque, madam and monsieur, salads and escargot, special vary from Merguez with North African lamb sausage, vegetarian French onion soup to a Brie cheese burger with caramelized onions.
They are purportedly open noon to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, but it seems to be open when it wants to be open, look for the lights in the window. There’s a bar in the back.
The Still Life is truly a gem on the Eastside.
Mike Bodine has been reporting on the small town news and gossip of the Eastside for more than 15 years.