Take a culinary tour of French cuisine as local restaurants celebrate Bastille Day. -Photo by Morris Gut
By Morris Gut
Bronx Voice
July 10, 2023
FOOD - If you enjoy French cuisine as I do, Bastille Day is Friday, July 14th, a good excuse to indulge. Make your reservations early.
Gallic restaurants, bakeries and cafes throughout greater New York will be offering their finest culinary specialties, vintage wines, and traditional festivities. You can enjoy LA CUISINE FRANCAISE in nearby Westchester!
Encore Bistro in Larchmont is where proprietor David Masliah and his team offer such lusty bistro favorites as: colorful and delicious Tartin de Tomates, Moules Provencales, my favorite Salade Parisienne, along with St. Jacques au buerre blanc and Steak Frites. (It’s hard to stay away from their rendition sweetbreads, too!) Great French fries here, the real thing!
For dessert, there are classic versions of Tarte Tatin and Profiteroles. Outdoor seating. Encore Bistro Francais, 22 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-833-1661 www.encore-bistro.com
After a run through the bustling Pleasantville Farmers Market on a Saturday morning head over to nearby Jean-Jacques Culinary Creations. The display counters and blackboards are filled with tempting possibilities, from sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches to fresh breads and cakes. It’s been 22 years and the place is working at full steam. There are two dining rooms, one counter side, and a separate more formal section. French classics include Quiche Lorraine with salad, and a Croque Madame Croissant, oozing with fried egg, cheese, and ham. Outdoor seating weather permitting. Jean-Jacques, 468 Bedford Road, Pleasantville. 914-747-8191 www.jean-jacques.com
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La Cremaillere has brought country French dining back to the Westchester/Connecticut border hamlet of Banksville. Venerable La Cremaillere Restaurant, housed in a vintage 1750 house on Bedford-Banksville Road, has reopened and currently serves dinner only Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef is Thomas Burke, who had previously worked at Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish locations in Westchester & New York City, and Le Bernardin, Manhattan. Look for such Gallic specialties as: Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Long Island Duck Breast ‘a l’orange’, and Strawberries & Cream Mille-Feuille. La Cremaillere, 46 Bedford-Banksville Road, Banksville. 914-234-9647 www.lacremny.com
Chef/Proprietor George Seitz has maintained the old-world charm at The Arch in Brewster for 40 years. His restaurant is one of the long-standing culinary destinations in the Hudson Valley. Be seated in the lovely stone hearth dining room and consider such French classics as: House Cured Gravlax with all the trimmings; Sizzling Escargots; Crisp Honey Orange Roasted Duckling; and for dessert classic Grand Marnier Souffle. A fine dose of seasonal flourishes, too. Elegant, but not stuffy. Outdoor seating. The Arch, 1292 Route 22, Brewster. Reservations suggested. 845-279-5011 www.archrestaurant.com
Proprietors Joe Quartararo and Christian Larsen have been operating Le Jardin du Roi in the heart of Chappaqua for over 20 years. It’s a chic bistro interior and cozy bar. There’s also a pleasant tented outdoor patio. The surrounding garden flowers are in full bloom. A long-standing favorite here is their signature Burger du Roi, prepared medium with bacon, Swiss cheese, and sunny side egg on top.
To my memory, Le Jardin was one of the first to ‘throw an egg on it’, before the culinary concept became so commonplace. The large platter comes with French fries. The burger oozes decadence, deliciously so. Also, look for their delightful French Onion Soup, Escargots, or Croque Monsieur/Madame. Breakfast served all day. Le Jardin Due Roi, 95 King Street, Chappaqua. 914-238-1368 www.lejardinchappaqua.com
The former Vox location in North Salem has evolved into two French inspired restaurants in one: the formal La Bastide, and Cenadou a more casual bistro. Cenadou is now open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday. La Bastide will follow soon. Owners are husband and wife Andrea Calstier and Elena Oliver who had for a time lived in Marseilles, France and owned a restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village called Papilles. Look for such specialties as Moules a la Provencales; Escargots; Rack of Lamb; and Halibut.
La Bastide & Cenadou, 71 Titicus Road at the intersection of Routes 116 & 202, North Salem. 914-485-1519 https://www.labastidebyac.com
There’s more: Look for Pate Maison, Steak au Poivre, Poulet Frites, and Profiteroles for dessert at Saint George Bistro, 155 Southside Ave., Hastings-On-Hudson. 914-478-1671 www.saintgeorgebistro.com
French/Mediterranean dishes include a French Picnic Platter of cured meats, cheeses and accoutrements, Beef Bourguignon, special Bouillabaisse or Coq au Vin. Le Provencal Bistro, 436 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-777-2324 www.provencalbistro.com
BON APPETIT!
NYC SUMMER
RESTAURANT WEEK MARKS 30 YEARS!
For those seeking summer bites in the around the Big Apple, the 31st annual NYC Restaurant Week will run July 24 thru August 20. More than 500 participating restaurants in all 5 boroughs will be offering 2 & 3-course prix fixe lunches and dinners at $30, $45 and $60 price points. Each restaurant will set their own menu for the duration of the event. There are caveats, so patrons are advised to check ahead regarding menus, dates and serving times. Participating eateries in the Bronx include: Ice House Café, Throgs Neck; Patsy’s Pizzeria, Morris Park; Travesias, Throgs Neck; Caridad Williamsbridge; Arthur Avenue Fiasco, Belmont; Michaelangelo’s, Belmont; Chocobar Cortes, Mott Haven; Milk Burger, Mott Haven; Café Colonial, Pelham Parkway. For the full list and more info: www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek/.
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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