I learned about Frenchie from a good friend when planning a trip to Paris. Described as a "new style" of cooking in France (i.e. focus on a particular menu for the ay, not an extravagantly prepared meal on fine china), Frenchie is the creation of Gregory Marchand. In dining at Frenchie, you can taste his background in each of his dishes. Instead of being rooted in French cuisine, you can taste his American and British training in his dishes. Working alongside some of the best chefs in America and also Jamie Oliver, Marchand developed the nickname "Frenchie" thus leading to an easy choice for a name at his Parisian restaurant creation.
Frenchie consists of a wine bar located across the street from a 10 table restaurant, and both present different but equally exciting opportunities for French dining.
The wine bar consists of two small rooms, and a packed house virtually every night. In walking in, it was difficult to even find a way to order a glass of wine while I waited for my table across the street. But I eventually did. Service was good. Atmosphere was electric. There's something about being packed next to others who are enjoying good wine and good food in a tightly packed room. It gets crowded quickly. Arrive early if you don't want to wait.
The restaurant is a different story. If the wine bar is packed and electric, the restaurant is reserved and more restricted. There is a single menu with two choices. There is an add-on appetizer and 3 options for dessert (2 sweets, 1 cheese plate). You can hear yourself talk. You also have time to appreciate what you are eating.
In the event you're English-speaking, have no frets. There are not only English menus, the servers (there were 2) both spoke perfect English, as did the chef. Indeed, ours was an American from Seattle, via New York, who moved to Paris for something different. The table next to us spoke English. At least one other did, as well. The rest spoke French, so it's not a tourist trap (yet you are not going to be alone if you are looking for a solidly local spot).
Marchand was not cooking the night I was present. He was floating between the wine bar and restaurant, occasionally stopping to say hello to patrons having a smoke on the cobblestone path in front of the restaurant and wine bar. He spoke to me upon leaving and was glad to speak a bit about his food and restaurant. A very nice man. His kitchen staff had no problem cooking a wonderful mean.
The add-on starter was duck foie gras with a roasted pear coated in oriental bread crumbs. The foie gras simply melted in your mouth. The combination of all parts of the dish ... well, it was beyond incredible. My wife did not eat foie gras before our trip to Paris. She loved this dish. Beyond words.
Appetizers were either roasted lamb, artichoke and prune, or red mullet with smoked potatoes. Entrees were either a fish or meat. The meat, as was common in December in Paris, was game - wild pheasant with escargot, potatoes and watercress. How fresh was the pheasant? I spit out a piece of shot in the meat. Killed that morning, by goodness. The fish of the night were scallops (again - very typical of a December meal), served with spelt, Jerusalem artichokes, and black pudding. This was a wonderful dish. So light, yet strong, at the same time.
I had the cheese to finish, as I normally did in France. My wife had a cinnamon sticky bun served with vanilla ice cream and granny smith apples. Outstanding on both accounts.
Excluding the add-on foie gras, this was all for 48 euros. Out of this world, everyone. That's half an appetizer at Le Grand Vefour.
If I returned to Paris, the 9:30 seating would be the first reservation I sought. For the price, and the menu, it is hands down one of the best meals I have ever consumed. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. My only regret - not buying Marchand's cookbook while there.
5 stars. read more