Located in the 50th and France neighborhood, this hidden gem is off one of the courtyards. It's a lovely restaurant. Between the high ceilings and huge windows, it feels incredibly spacious. It's also full of elements that make it feel full of life--plants, yes, but also a fireplace and fun feather light fixtures. It's oh so chic while also being quite soothing. I enjoyed the music: it was low enough to not interfere with conversation, but full of fun choices. Overall, it was very easy to have a conversation here. The lighting is kept fairly dim, so don't forget your reading glasses if you need them!
The food is equally charming and features French classics along with fresh new takes on old favorites. I started with the Bibb salad, which was absolutely gorgeous: the leaves were tender and covered in a creamy and tart vinaigrette, and there were whole parsley leaves that added textural and flavor contrast. They also had a wonderful bread service that is served with radish butter, which is a treat for all the senses. I highly recommend it.
For my main, I ordered the tagliolini, a pasta dish with truffle butter, Parmesan, and fresh black truffle. Starchy, creamy, and savory, it is comforting without being stodgy. It was a generous portion, so I had enough to eat for lunch today (until I got peckish later in the evening).
For dessert, I got the crème brûlée, and it was one of the best I have had. (Careful, the dish is hot!) It was smooth and rich, full of vanilla, and topped with a flawless layer of crunchy caramelized sugar. Don't miss that one, either. Additional shout-out for the excellent zero proof options. They had a lovely NA kir royale that hit the spot.
This is more of a slow food/leisurely dining experience, so definitely let your server know if you are headed to a movie or otherwise time-constrained. They're all very knowledgeable and friendly, but it's more of a Euro-inspired style of service--you may need to flag someone down if you need something, as they're not as likely to interrupt your conversation to check in. read more