Countdown to New York

The last week of August, otherwise known to Parisians as the bitter-sweet last licks of vacation. “Le Grand Rentré” strikes in September.   

In my case, Le Grand Départ.  Today marks the 10…9…8… New York.

Unbelievable.

So many swivels, suppers, smiles, mascara smudges and unforgettable sights later, I could kick myself for not having had documented more along the way.

Truism: better late than never.

And so, a mad rush to make note of some oldies but goodies as well as some favorite new finds.

Waddle your derrière to Derrière, the fantastic, “nouveau French” newborn that lies just, hmm, derrière that fabulous Andy Walhoo bar and, currently undergoing renovations,  404 resto. 

Just off of  Rue Gravillers (Metro: Arts de Metier), enter through the intimate, cobblestone terrace and ogle all the pretty people, dressed precisely to evoke your overt ogle. Or, better yet, sneer at the undeserving folk who were able to snag your courtyard seat. But, ahh,  sigh of relief as you’re lead to your table in the front dining room, overlooking the terrace, the lounge/bar area, the centrally placed ping-pong table, and the more private, diagonally-back dining room,...hidden just under and to the left of the wooden stair case which escorts you to the various bedrooms of the second floor. Phew. 

Take a moment to think aloud enthusiastically, “How cool!”. It’s just what I would want for one of my future restaurants, or even one of my future homes: playful colors and original artwork scattered throughout;  vintage bookshelves lined with reading material;  mismatched, retro tables and chairs to dine upon;  and plush, upstairs bedrooms for sipping after-dinner cocktails. 

I'll admit my weakness for cool concept restos, but I can simultaneously acknowledge  failed menus in spite my affection for the spaces themselves... however unwillingly.  (Think Mama Shelter, as much as it still stings...)

Well well, Lookie lookie, Lucky little duck me. The menu was fantastic and I already have seconds reserved for this coming Friday. 

Hold on, I shan't get ahead of myself. The veggie apps were nothing to go crazy over. At the very least, they were fresh , beautifully plated, and seated alongside want-to-be creative dips. But the main courses were ever so exciting! 

Me : the most succulent of cuts, beef cheek or 'joue de boeuf",   prepared as a stew in a fabulous, rich-but-not-too-rich, tomato based sauce, served with baby potatoes and chopped carrots floating around for good measure. 

My poor, vegetarian neighbor: a gazpacho, though she swears it was a toothsome gazpacho at that. 

Diner # 3: baked turbot, served over a fabulous pesto-sauce, plated along beautifully roasted veggies. It was gorgeous just to look at. 

And Diner #4: thinly-cut lamb, hiding underneath a bed of sauteed wild mushrooms. Me-oh-my, how jealous I was of that particular choice. 

Sadly, we hadn't time for dessert, per the ever-so-Parisian, "one hour late to join the unfortunate friend".

Huff...

...until this Friiiiiiday!!! 

And yes, A Wonderful last 10 day they will be.