Chez Josephine Is Alive and Well, With Glamour, Music and Great Food

Chez Josephine
414 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

212-594-1925

Neighborhood:
Theater District / Times Square

Click Here For Reservations

CHEZ JOSEPHINE and its ever-gracious host, Jean-Claude Baker offers live piano every evening starting at 6 p.m., and Saturdays are extra special with pianist Joseph Douglas, as well as Sarah McLawler (piano/vocals) performing with Jean Davis on trumpet starting at 8 p.m.  It is outstanding, as is this ever delightful restaurant.

This charming Theater District jewel with is sidewalk café, convivial bar, and captivating main dining room, clad with red velvet walls, blue-tin ceiling and a cavalcade of chandeliers that light up the vintage portraits of icon Josephine Baker is better than ever,  thanks to the culinary efforts of executive chef Frank Diaz and attentive service as executed by. the charming manager Fernando.

A  recent dinner began with such appetizer specialties as Chinese Ravioli with Fresh Goat Cheese and Roasted Pine Nuts, flavorful Country Pâté, zesty Maryland Crab Cake and Stone-Ground  Mustard Sauce, Steak Tartare, Quail Egg, Potato Gaufrettes and Crispy tempura battered  Blue Point Oyster and Braised Fennel in a tangy Mustard Beurre Blanc for starters.

Entrees followed and not only copious, but beautifully executed. Favorites included Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck, Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, delicious Pork Knuckles, with Champagne-Braised Sauerkraut  a perfect Rack of Lamb with Potato Purée and Provençal Vegetables, a succulent Black Angus Filet Mignon au Poivre with crispy Pommes Frites and the surprise of the evening, absolutely the best Choucroute Royale, (Smoked Pork Loin, Veal Sausage, Frankfurter, Double-Smoked Bacon, Pork Knuckles, Boiled Potatoes and Champagne-Braised Sauerkraut) in New York City.

You’ll love desserts like Black and White Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Tarte Brûlée, Apple Rhubarb Crêpe Cake, Le Délice Josephine: Chocolate Heaven and an exemplary  Crème Brûlée. 

Wines and cocktails and general feeling of fun and glamour add to the experience at CHEZ JOSEPHINE.  Not only one of the theater district’s best options, but one of Manhattan’s top five bistros. Walman Report Rating: A Major.

 

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Sample Pre Fixe Dinner

Appetizers
Soup du Jour
F
Baby Watercress, Golden Beets
Roquefort Société, Candied Walnuts
Entrées
Trout Almondine
Wilted Spinach, Whipped Potatoes
F
Amish Chicken “Grand-Mère”
Roasted Potatoes, Brussels Sprout Leaves, Bacon
F
Braised Short Ribs
Creamy Polenta, Onion Rings, Horseradish Cream
Desserts
Baked Apple in Cider-Cinnamon Syrup
Caramel Ice Cream
Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding
Valrhona Chocolate Sauce
Executive Chef Frank Diaz
Dinner Prix Fixe $35
Not available Saturdays

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Sample Dinner Menu

Organic Baby Greens, Fines Herbes, Lemon Dressing 9.00
Belgian Endive, Roquefort and Roasted Walnuts 10.00
Chilled Green Asparagus, French Prosciutto 12.00
Steak Tartare, Quail Egg, Potato Gaufrettes 14.00
Jumbo Shrimp, Slivered Lemon, Horseradish Cocktail Sauce 16.00
Chinese Ravioli, Fresh Goat Cheese, Roasted Pine Nuts 12.00
Country Pâté, Tangy Celery Rémoulade, Cornichons 10.00
Maryland Crab Cake, Stone-Ground Mustard Sauce 16.00
Crispy Blue Point Oyster, Braised Fennel, Mustard Beurre Blanc 16.00
Escargots à la Bourguignonne, Herbs and Garlic 12.00
Soup du Jour 10.00
French Onion Soup 10.00
Maine Lobster Bisque 12.00
Spaghetti Bolognese (Josephine’s Favorite) 21.00
Artisanal Pasta, Wild Mushrooms, Black Truffle Oil 21.00
Blackened Atlantic Salmon, Julienne of Vegetables, Herb Coulis 26.00
Maryland Crab Cakes, Tartar Sauce and Field Greens 32.00
Lobster Cassoulet with Scallops, Shrimp, Seafood Sausage,
Black Beans in a Light Shellfish Bouillon 34.00
Black Tiger Shrimp, Sweet-Pea Risotto, Pea Tendrils 32.00
Boudin Noir, Olive-Oil Crushed Potatoes, Apple Compote 22.00
Elvira’s Down-Home Fried Chicken, Sweet-Potato Fries, Blueberry Corn Bread 22.00
Slow-Roasted Amish Chicken Breast, Crushed Zucchini,
Goat Cheese, Natural Garlic Jus 22.00
Roasted Breast of Long Island Duck, Wild Rice, Corn Emulsion 27.00
Pan-Seared Calf ’s Liver, Wilted Mustard Greens, Potato Croquettes 23.00
Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, Grilled Asparagus, Potato Gratin 28.00
Choucroute Royale, Smoked Pork Loin, Veal Sausage, Frankfurter, Double-Smoked Bacon,
Pork Knuckles, Boiled Potatoes, Champagne-Braised Sauerkraut 34.00
Black Angus Filet Mignon au Poivre, Pommes Frites 36.00
Rack of Lamb, Potato Purée, Provençal Vegetables 36.00
Side Dishes 8.00
Sautéed Haricots Verts Truffled Mashed Potatoes
Garlic-Chili Spinach Sweet-Potato Fries
Steamed Green Asparagus Pommes Frites
Executive Chef Frank Diaz

Desserts

Desserts
10.00
Le Délice Josephine: Chocolate Heaven
Crème Brûlée
Black and White Chocolate Mousse
Lemon Tarte Brûlée
Apple Rhubarb Crêpe Cake
Frozen Cappuccino Parfait
Seasonal Fruits & Berries
Assorted Sorbets
Our Daily Selection of Cheeses
(Market Price)

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Sample Wine List

FRENCH WHITE
  
110. Bordeaux Blanc, Château Lamothe de Haux 2011 10.00 38.00
111. Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Francois Cartier, Loire 2011  42.00
112. Riesling, Trimbach, Alsace 2009  12.00 46.00
113. Sancerre, René Carroi, Loire 2010 15.00 58.00
114. Chablis, Domaine de la Cornasse, Burgundy 2010 68.00
115. Meursault, Pierre Matrot, Burgundy 2009  72.00
  
AMERICAN WHITE
119. Chardonnay, Rutz Cellars, Sonoma Cuvée 2009  12.00 46.00
120. Chenin Blanc, Paumanok Vineyards, North Fork Long Island 2011 52.00
  
ITALIAN WHITE
130. Pinot Grigio, Terrenobili, Friuli 2011  10.00 38.00
BLUSH – ROSE
210. White Zinfandel, Buehler, Napa Valley 2010  8.00 30.00
211. Domaine Ott, Les Domainers, Côtes de Provence 2011  14.00 52.00
  
FRENCH RED
310. Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Seguret, Domaine de I’Amandine, Rhône 2009  10.00      38.00
311. Cabernet Franc, Anjou, Domaine Matignon, Loire 2009 40.00
312. Julienas, Château du Bois de la Salle, Cru Beaujolais 2010  42.00
313. Château Bélingard, Bergerac 2010 12.00 46.00
314. Château Coucheroy, Pessac-Léognan, Graves 2007 50.00
315 Mercurey, Domaine Naudin Tiercin, Burgundy 2009  54.00
316. Saint Aubin, Premier Cru, Patrick Miolane, Burgundy 2006 58.00
317. Château Simard, Saint-Emilion 2001  62.00
318. Margaux, Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine, Bordeaux 2008 72.00
319. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Comte de Lauze 2008 19.00 78.00
320. Château La Tour Carnet, Haut-Medoc 2008 98.00
321. Château Talbot, Saint-Julien 2004 108.00
322. Château Petit-Village, Pomerol 2006 139.00
323. Pauillac du Château Latour, Pauillac 2007 145.00
AMERICAN RED
330. Merlot, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley 2009  10.00      38.00
331. Pinot Noir, Erath, Oregon 2010 12.00 46.00
332. Petite Sirah, Perry Creek Altitude:2401, Fair Play 2007 56.00 
333. Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Iron, Napa Valley 2008 16.00 58.00
334. Cabernet Sauvignon, Real McCoy, Napa Valley 2008 68.00
335. Cabernet Sauvignon, Arbios, Alexander Valley 2006 76.00
336. Pinot Noir, Elk Horn Ridge 777, Oregon 2008 78.00
  
OTHER REGIONS
351. Malbec, Makia, Mendoza, Argentina 2010 10.00 38.00
352. Pinotage, Diemersfontein, South Africa 2011  44.00
CHAMPAGNE
410. Bouvet Ladubay, Brut 10.00 42.00
411. Domaine Chandon, California, Brut Classic or Rosé [Split] 16.00 54.00
412. La Caravelle, Blanc de Blancs, Brut  80.00
413. Piper-Heidsieck, Brut [Split]  20.00 88.00
414. Billecart-Salmon, Brut Réserve 90.00
415. Paul Goerg, Premier Cru, Brut Rosé  96.00
416. Cuvée Dom Pérignon 2003   290.00
417. Louis Roederer, Cristal 2002 375.00

Jeanne & Gaston, Contemporary French Cuisine In The West Village

Jeanne & Gaston

212 West 14th Street

(Between Seventh Avenue & Eighth Avenue)

New York, NY 10011

WEB SITE:

http://www.jeanneandgaston.com

TELEPHONE: (212) 675-3773

FAX:(212) 675-3775

HOURS: Lunch:                  11:45 AM -    4:00 PM, Mon.-Fri.

Dinner:               4:00 PM  -  10:30 PM, Sun.-Thurs.

4:00 PM -   11:00 PM, Fri.-Sat.

Brunch:                  11:00 AM -     3:30 PM, Sat.-Sun.

Happy Hour:            4:00 PM -     7:00 PM, Mon.-Fri.

CUISINE:Contemporary French

(Restaurateur/Chef Claude Godard crafts a

menu featuring an eclectic selection of

classic French dishes, refining and updating

them with a modern flair. In addition,

he showcases a selection of Burgundy

specialty dishes from original family

recipes.)

CREDIT CARDS:All major

Click Here To Make a Reservation

The Enchanting Garden

Eureka!  It is still possible to discover a terrific restaurant at an affordable price. This delightful French spot, close to the Meatpacking District, is just such a discovery. The handsome 16-foot long custom-made, L-shaped mahogany and porcelain tiled bar features an impressive selection of global wines with a particular emphasis on French wines.  A variety of wines are available by the glass and carafe and there are lots of choices for well under $50 a bottle. In addition,The Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch Menus are available at the bar.

 

The Cozy Main Dining Room

The dining room is enhanced by a 17-foot high original pressed tin ceiling, handsome mahogany chairs, custom-made  imported French leather taupe banquettes, exposed brick walls ,an Indonesian antique wood armoire converted into a wine cabinet, and French windows overlooking a lively street.

Best of all,  a lovely seasonal landscaped garden seats 40 people. It features potted plants, red dogwood trees, wooden fence, wrought iron and faux rattan tables and chairs, lanterns, and an antique sculptured limestone fountain.It is open April through October.

Prices are soothing: all dinner appetizers are $13 and entrees are $26 (with a few $2 or $3 surcharges) and  there is a three course fixed price dinner for $40, Restaurateur/Chef Claude Godard is a serious, hands on, first-rate chef. The kitchen turns out classy and delicious offerings, worthy of a two star restaurant. Go easy on the lovely, warm dinner rolls and sweet butter. We loved such appetizers as a perfectly cooked Veal Sweetbread Tarte with Spinach Salad,  an elegant Duck Foie-Gras & Petit Pols Parfait, with the fluff of foie gras resting atop a puree of sweet peas, and  a delicious Tuna "Tartare" & Tomato Duo, with Cucumber Cream.

Recommended entrees include succulent "Prince Edward" Island Mussels Mariniere, a moist Berkshire Pork Chop Charcutiere  with Red Potatoes and baby sour  pickles, and tender Grilled Leg Of Lamb,Eggplant And White Bean Salsa.

Presentations are pretty but not overdone and service is attentive and personal.

Don’t miss the beautiful desserts. We would be hesitant to test a soufflé in most restaurants that are not of the luxury class, but a Souffle Grand Marnier ( also available in chocolate, praline or raspberry) was masterful and worth the 15 minute wait (and $3 supplement). Housemade French Donuts (a special)  were also excellent.

 

Restaurateur/Chef Claude Godard At Work

Owner and Maître Cuisinier de France (France Master Chef), Claude Godard, third generation of chefs, is continuing and keeping a generation’s long tradition of Bourguignon style of cooking. The restaurant is named after his grandparents, Jeanne, his grandmother and Gaston, his grandfather.

They would be proud.

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Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2008 Excels and Rates A Major From Wine On Line

Pasternak Wine Imports, (PWI) a leading national importer of fine wines from
around the world is the sole U.S. Agent and Importers for Château La Nerthe, from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Château La Nerthe has a rich heritage dating back to 1560 and is recognized as a benchmark producer from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. 225 acres of organically certified old vine vineyards ring the graceful grand château which creates wines that express the unique terroir and delivers unparalleled elegance. Chateau La Nerthe is
owned and managed by the renowned Richard family, involved in wine making and wine distribution since 1892.Château La Nerthe is one of Chateauneuf’s oldest estates and a benchmark producer of the region. Located in the heart of the AOC, the 225 acres of Château La Nerthe’s vineyards are locates in a single block around the chateau and have been certified organic since 1998. The classic chateauneuf terroir of the famous galettes (large, round stones) dominate the on average 40 year old vineyards.

Rhone Red Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France Deep ruby color with a purple rim. A wonderful, expressive nose where ripe black and red fruits (cherry & black currant) combine with spices. Full- bodied with gorgeous, silky tannins, a balanced palate and a particularly long finished where notes of dates add an extra layer of complexity. alcohol by volume: 14.5%

A deep red with profound purple hints. Intense aromas with rich ripe fruits undertones, spices and various black colored berries soaked in alcohol. Well balanced on the palate with expressive hints of fig, cocoa and leather. The finish is long, complex and we note a great finesse of tanins.

Grape Varieties: Grenache 43 %, Syrah 36 %, Mourvèdre 21 %
Finished Alcohol: 14.5%
Acidity/pH: 3.65
Residual Sugar: 2
SRP: $59

 

Outstanding Chateauneuf-du-Pape and worth every Euro. Delicious with game, beef, cheese or assertive seafood.

 

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

Le Périgord Reins as NY’s Grand Dame of Luxury French Restaurants

Le Périgord

405 East  52nd Street

(212) 755-6244

Website: Click Here

Reserve Now: http://www.opentable.com/le-perigord

Le Périgord , the unpretentiously pedigreed Sutton Place dining institution,may be over 45 years old, but a spiffy refurbishing and the always wonderful food keeps celebrities, U.N. delegates and loyal regulars returning year in and year out, to make this Grand Dame NY’s most satisfying luxury French restaurant.

The remarkable $65 fixed price dinner ($32 at lunch) makes Le Périgord  a dining bargain as well. The Appetizer display is fresh and beautiful, with tempting choices of smoked salmon, steamed asparagus and an array of salads and cold dishes.

Entrees like daily seafood and game specials. a stunning Roasted free range chicken in wine sauce with morrels and potato gratin or the best rack of lamb or seasonal soft shell crabs in town will make you swoon.

The dessert cart is decadently tempting with a luscious chocolate mousse, fresh fruit tart of the day or floating island., and a small surcharge delivers a noteworthy soufflé. ,

Le Périgord remains a bastion of high-powered Gallic gastronomy and classically refined service.  And thanks to its charming owner/host, Georges Briguet, even first time visitors feel a warm welcome. One of Manhattan’s restaurant gems. Rating: A Major.

Disclosure

Copyright 2012 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

La Caravelle Champagnes Offer The Perfect Affordable Holiday Bubbly. Always Delightful and Highly Recommended By The Walman Report

Rita & Andre Jammet

Click Here For The History

Champagne Cuvée Niña

The signature brut is named after one of the Caravelle ships built by Columbus for his voyage to the New World. The multi-vintage cuvée features a blend of 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier, with an elegant floral nose and notes of yuzu, white peaches and gingerbread.

We like to start with this one and enjoy it with hor d’oeuvres. Follow it with the elegant Blanc de Blancs and seafood or chicken and finish with the superb Rosé and game, cheese and dessert. If you choose but one, it’s a matter of taste and menu. They are all enchanting.

SRP: $34

Champagne Rosé

This beautiful salmon pink Champagne uses the same base blend as Niña with the addition of elegant red wines from well-known appellations such as Aÿ and Bouzy. With a floral and red berry bouquet, the rosé evokes hints of cherry almond, pomegranate and fennel.

SRP: $39

Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Made with an exclusive blend of the best chardonnay crus harvested primarily from the Côte des Blancs and aged for three years, this complex wine has an elegant bouquet perfumed with white flowers and a refreshing, lively flavor with notes of citrus and rhubarb.

SRP: $39

A glance at the impressive list of restaurants offering La Caravelle Champagnes, including the elite Daniel and Adour, shows that we are not alone in our enthusiasm. It also makes it easy when you are not interested in devoting time to an encyclopedic wine list to remember the name: La Caravelle. As the song says “Easy To Remember, But So Hard To Forget.”

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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La Mangeoire Restaurant Plus Maître Cuisinier de France Christian Delouvrier Equals New York’s Best Bistro Dining

Location: 1008 Second Avenue

New York, NY 10022  

Phone: (212) 759-7086
Website: www.lamangeoire.com
Cuisine: French Country Cooking

Executive Chef: Christian Delouvrier

Interior Design: Karen Gorman of Village and City Interiors
Signature Dishes: Poulet Fermier Roti – Farm Roasted Chicken
Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm

Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Capacity: Main Dining Room:  30 (seated)
Mezzanine:  16 (seated)
Straw Room: 22 (seated)
Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Click Here To Make Reservations Online

 

La Mangeoire Restaurant Heralds Fresh New Interior and New French Country Menu from Maître Cuisinier de France Christian Delouvrier

World Renowned Chef Christian Delouvrier and Longtime Owner  Gerard Donato have joined forces to Celebrate Regional French Country Cooking

Celebrated NYC eatery La Mangeoire has a solid history of serving a classically Provençal menu but starting this month this 35 year old classic is getting a fresh breeze of country air in the form of new interiors and new French Country Menu developed and executed by Chef Christian Delouvrier.

Owner Gerard Donato and Executive Chef Christian Delouvrier (Les Celebrites, Lespinasse and Alain Ducasse’s Essex House) are giving both the food and the décor a major overhaul to reflect a much more rustic “French Country” style that encompasses all regions of the expansive countryside. Chef Delouvrier, a four-star rated chef who has been collaborating with Donato for several months, decided to officially take on the Executive Chef role this fall and together transform this little jewel into a regional bistro serving French Country Cooking as is now scripted on the awning and the tempting new menu.

The changes began with the reimagining of the interior and the hiring of interior designer Karen Gorman of Village and City Interiors who also designed the former Allegretti restaurant. Donato and Delouvrier had a clear vision of transforming the space to make it brighter and more cohesive, filling the restaurant with French country charm while holding onto some of the original rustic details that made the restaurant what it was, including the wonderful antique tile floors and the wood ceilings and beams. The bright yellows and blues that once covered the walls have been replaced with eggshell tones, opening the space up exponentially. The collection of colorful paintings that made la Mangeoire famous have been framed with rustic antique wood giving them the ideal finishing touch and a collection of copper pots and pans, compliments of Donato’s personal collection of cookware, adorn the walls throughout the dining room. Gorman noted, “most importantly we added natural textures to the space such as linen drapes, cloth on the tables and a textured barn wood on many of the wall surfaces. The food and spirit of this restaurant can take center stage and relax in a setting that makes you feel that you are truly somewhere in the French countryside.

We have long admired this charming Manhattan institution, now the experience has evolved into the world class league. Not even in Paris or Lyons will you discover such authentic interpretations of the classics with just enough contemporary color to remove the guilt factor and let patrons devour such masterpieces a as Whole Roasted Chicken, stuffed with fresh herbs and resting on a bed of luscious pommes frites soaking up the natural jus. If you dine at La Mangeoire, the chicken is mandatory and I promise that you will thank me for the recommendation. It arrives with a gorgeously  simple salad served in an oversized pristine glass bowel. This is preceded by marvelous hunks of warm country bread, served with a variety of condiments by one of the most benevolent service staffs in New York. 

Standout new appetizers include Escargots de Bourgogne, which are Burgundy snails with decadent shallot butter, salty Serrano ham, and almonds for texture and confit tomatoes.Or you might try Tarte Campagnarde, an earthy and delicious mushroom and cheese tart; and Salade d’Endive & de Betterave, which is an endive and beet salad with hazelnut oil and red wine vinegar. By all means sample the amazing onion soup, rillettes of pork or smoked salmon, salad frisse (above)f and course country pate that will make you want seconds..

In addition to the new menu, each month a specialty dish from a different region in France will be offered so diners can experience food from areas such as Normandy, Champagne, the Alpes, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and much more.  For the first month, Chef Delouvrier’s special is La Potée Au Chou, a hearty soup that features Pork shank (jambonneau), slab bacon, Morteau sausage, Savoy cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and leeks served with its traditional mustard and cornichon accompaniments. Go ASAP and indulge in the fabulous  December Special: a mouthwatering Beef Fondant, Slowly Braised in a Red Wine Sauce , and topped with Thinly Sliced Carrots on a mound of velvety Mashed Potatoes. (Below)

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Entrée dishes making their debut on La Mangeoire’s new tables include Duo de Plat de Côte Façon Bourguignonne et de Bavette de Boeuf, a duo of tender short ribs and skirt steak that also pays homage to the Burgundy region, served with glazed carrots and penne gratin; Cuisse de Canard Confite, which is an incredibly juicy and crispy duck leg confit served with a tomato and cranberry bean stew; Pavé de Foie de Veau Poêlé, classic sautéed calves liver steak shallots and Pinot Noir sauce with a side of potato purée; and Mouclade La Mangeoire, a clean preparation of mussels with white wine, crème fraîche, thyme and Sarawak black pepper.  A prix fixe menu will be offered for both lunch and dinner at $21.00 and $32.50 respectively. There is also a 6 course tasting menu for $85 per person.

 

The World’s Best Roast Chicken (Above)

Additionally the restaurant will offer “Les Classiques de Christian Delouvrier”, a grouping of three house specials served family style that Chef Delouvrier has had rotating on his menus for years. One particular standout is his Poulet Fermier Roti, or his Farm Roasted Chicken. This has become one of the chef’s staples over the years with some in the food industry calling it the best chicken in New York City. “It is definitely a signature dish of mine and I would encourage anyone that comes to La Mangeoire to try it,” Delouvrier said.  Desserts are classic French bistro style and are all homemade; rotating desserts include remarkable chocolate hazelnut profiteroles, apple tarts, and chocolate mousse and a duo of pot de crème.

Impeccable Tarte and Profiteroles( Below)

 

Chef Delouvrier has run the kitchens at some of the most well regarded restaurants across New York including Les Celebrites (Three-Star Review from The New York Times), Lespinasse (where he earned a coveted New York Time’s Four-Star review), and Alain Ducasse’s Essex House. Since 2006, Delouvrier has consulted with a number of restaurateurs to revitalize existing ventures or to launch new concepts. In late 2009 he began consulting at La Mangeoire. La Mangeoire has given him a place to show his love of food and focus on the techniques and ingredients that define French fare. 

La Mangeoire owner Gerard Donato has owned the restaurant for the past 30 years.  Originally from France, Donato strives to create and atmosphere and menu that makes his French guests feel as if they are home while making Americans feel as if they’ve been transported to the French countryside. And he succeeds! M. Donato is a real charmer and a superb front of the house.

La Mangeoire is open Monday – Friday for lunch and dinner, 12:00pm – 11:00pm, for dinner only on Saturday from 5:30pm – 11:00pm, and for brunch and dinner on Sunday from 11:00am – 10:00pm. It’s wine list is sensible, attractively  priced with nice wines by the glass at under $10 and good bottles in the $40 and up range. Especially nice are some lovely 1/2 bottles. Our Gigondas Guigal 2007 was soft, refined and full of controlled fruit.

La Mangeoire 1008 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10022   (212) 759-7086 www.lamangeoire.com is a breath of fresh air and what the Manhattan dining scene is really about: wonderful food, service and atmosphere at affordable prices, sans snob and mercifully untrendy. And three cheers to M. Delouvrier, everyone’s favorite chef.

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure.

La Silhouette: The Right Shape For A Sparkling Dining Experience

La Silhouette (362 West 53^rd Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-581-2400)

Click Here To Visit Website

As you may have heard, Hell’s Kitchen jewel-box of a French restaurant, La Silhouette, has brought on a new star in the kitchen.  Matthew Tropeano, who has spent the last 6 years running the kitchen at La Grenouille. has been appointed the new executive chef by owners ( Le Bernardin alums)Sally Chironis and Tito Rahman. 

The decor consists of several intimate rooms exploiting a clean, minimalist style with muted colors of gray with bursts of orange, There is a small, cunning bar as you enter and a rather formal space for quiet conversation, leading to a connecting room  with banquettes and tables. Further back is a service bar and a more lively sunken main dining room where walls are hung with colorful striped art-work. Bare wood tables are set with mats and upstairs, there is a fourth space with an attached patio that would be perfect for private parties.

If you get the idea La Silhouette has the look/feel of an elegant bistro in  Paris or London, you get the picture. Sally and Tito greet customers like old friends and orchestrate a level of caring service seldom seen in New York.

Olive Oil Poached Halibut with a crispy shallot crust, summer succotash and piquillo pepper nage

A recent dinner began with expertly made cocktails accompanied by an amuse buche of truffled potato-leek foam with parsley oil and pickled shitake mushrooms. There is a well selected wine list that is being updated to include more global selections and a range from $60 to $200. Currently, there are good selections in the $60 and under range and about 22 wines by the glass. We took it easy with a white Domaine du Pere Caboche Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (40% Bourboulenc, 25% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc and 10% Rousanne/Picpoul). It was sturdy, well balanced and worked  throughout  a complex array of exquisitely prepared dishes. Although chef Tropeano offers an ever-changing tasting menu, we went the a la carte route.

We particularly admired such arousing appetizers as delicate VEAL SWEETBREADS with BUTTERNUT SQUASH AGNOLOTTI, PUMPKIN SEEDS and a touch of SAGE and  a simple-but-precise play on POACHED FARM EGGS with "TRUFFLED" MASCARPONE POLENTA, OYSTER MUSHROOMS in a rich PORCINI COULIS. Every course in a dinner has its star and our table was unanimous in its raves for a remarkable FOIE GRAS "A LA PLANCHA" paired with CARAMELIZED PEARS, TOASTED HAZELNUTS and a sprinkling of SPAGHETTI SQUASH

.

Poulet Roti “Avellino,” with braised cannellini beans and kale, tomato confit, lardons and vin cotto jus

Bread is excellent and gives a a needed moment’s rest. before such impeccable entrees as an ethereal BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER & BASS combo surrounded by CELERY ROOT-APPLE "SLAW" & LEEK FONDUE and kissed by an amazing SAUCE AMÉRICAINE. If meat is your partner of the evening, go for the LAMB CHOP & LAMB SHANK CRÉPINETTE (sort of a sausage. encased in fat), BROCCOLI RABE, SWEET POTATOES, FENNEL-LAMB SAUSAGE and ROSEMARY JUS: a wow of a preparation.

Jeff Sytsma’s desserts are as outstanding as the preceding. We adored such really fun plays as POPCORN “CRÈME BRÛLÉE” and CANDIED HONEY CRISP APPLES, CARAMEL POPCORN on SALTY CARAMEL ICE CREAM. Other options include a dense WARM CHOCOLATE TOURTE with CONCORD GRAPE GEL, PEANUT BUTTER POWDER and VANILLA ICE CREAM or a beautiful ARTISANAL CHEESE PLATE with HOUSE MADE BREAD AND JAM. Linger with an after dinner drink and enjoy terrific cookies, candies and closing goodies.

Tourte Caprese

La Silhouette is a restaurant to savor, treasure and enjoy. A little bit of France off 9th Avenue,  with a lot of heart and Yes Virginia  . . . civilized dining is alive and well. Santé!

Charming Owners: Sally Chironis and Tito Rahman.

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

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Le Périgord Reins as NY’s Grand Dame of Luxury French Restaurants

Le Périgord

405 East  52nd Street

(212) 755-6244

Website: Click Here

Reserve Now: http://www.opentable.com/le-perigord

Le Périgord , the unpretentiously pedigreed Sutton Place dining institution,may be 45 years old, but a spiffy refurbishing and the always wonderful food keeps celebrities, U.N. delegates and loyal regulars returning year in and year out, to make this Grand Dame NY’s most satisfying luxury French restaurant.

The remarkable $65 fixed price dinner ($32 at lunch) makes Le Périgord  a dining bargain as well. The Appetizer display is fresh and beautiful, with tempting choices of smoked salmon, steamed asparagus and an array of salads and cold dishes.

Entrees like daily seafood and game specials. a stunning Roasted free range chicken in wine sauce with morrels and potato gratin or the best rack of lamb in town will make you swoon.

The dessert cart is decadently tempting with a luscious chocolate mousse, fresh fruit tart of the day or floating island., and a small surcharge delivers a noteworthy soufflé. ,

Le Périgord remains a bastion of high-powered Gallic gastronomy and classically refined service.  And thanks to its charming owner/host, Georges Briguet, even first time visitors feel a warm welcome. One of Manhattan’s restaurant gems. Rating: A Major.

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Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved