Chow BELLA: Where To Eat In NYC
Chez Francis
Chez Francis is a quintessential Parisian brasserie serving traditional, gourmet French fare in a lively atmosphere. Located on Park Avenue South, Chez Francis brings the epicurean vision and passion of its bon vivant founder, Francis Staub, to life in a convivial setting designed for guests to gather over a sense of joie de vivre. The kitchen at Chez Francis is overseen by veteran Chef Jaime Loja (previously of Brasserie Ruhlmann) and serves an extensive array of French staples, from familiar classics such as Escargots and Steak Frites to more extravagant preparations meant for sharing including a 2 ½ Pound Lobster Thermidor and Whole Roasted Cornish Hen served in one of Francis' famous cocottes.
Diners can begin their meal with starters like Cheese Soufflé with Cauliflower Velouté, Homemade Foie Gras, and a wide selection of locally sourced artisanal charcuterie. Mains include Moules Frites, Bouillabaisse, Sole Meunière, and Boeuf Bourguignon. Homemade sauces take center stage at Chez Francis, with offerings like Béarnaise, Peppercorn, Beurre Blanc, Shallot Marmalade and Café de Paris available to complement the flavors of any dish.
An assemblage of flambées, cart service and tableside presentations bring culinary theater to the restaurant's grand brasserie setting. During Saturday and Sunday brunch, guests can indulge in the Le Gigot d'Agneau, a traditional French-style roast leg of lamb that is carved from a rolling trolley for unlimited service.
411 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Chezfrancis.com
Revelie Luncheonette
Revelie Luncheonette is a new French-American diner, soda fountain and bar, helmed by the lauded Raoul’s team. The restaurant quietly opened its doors to SoHo’s Prince Street mid-summer and brings the style of Raoul’s to a casual-yet-elevated diner setting.
Already dubbed an instant classic, the local hotspot draws inspiration from the luncheonettes and soda fountains that charmed the neighborhood throughout the 1920s and beyond. Executive Chef David Honeysett (who has been at the helm of Raoul's kitchen for the past 18 years) brings comforting brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, each featuring a playful selection of diner staples, with a French twist.
Their classic French Onion Soup is a must-try and perfect precursor to staples like Moules Frites and their spin on the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Karim Raoul and Jillian Fracassi are the husband and wife duo behind the new concept, which they’ve named after their daughters, Reve and Amelie. A family business full of heart, Revelie brings simple, classic food, and does it exceptionally well.
179 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Revelie.com
MOXY – Legasea
Legasea – Led by Chief Culinary Officer Chef Ralph Scamardella (of TAO and LAVO), Legasea is a fresh take on bar and grill classics and light seafood influences, with a fun-casual atmosphere for an entertaining dining experience that is to be expected from Tao Group Hospitality. Menu highlights include the Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket, Crispy Blossoming Onion, Spicy Crab Beignets, and Wagyu Steak Frites. Legasea’s beverage program offers an inviting menu of specialty cocktails, an extensive wine list of varietals and regions both by the bottle and by-the-glass, and refreshing beer options ranging from craft bottles to draft favorites. Open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, Legasea has a lively bar scene and inviting dining room that provides guests with an unforgettable evening full of good food and good company.
And their latest offering is for all the meat lovers – a brand-new Unlimited Ribeye, Fries & House Salad for only $45 per person. It's the ultimate dining experience that lets you savor as much ribeye as your heart desires, served with a house salad and crispy golden fries (also unlimited). Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended.
485 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
TaoGroup.com/venues/legasea-bar-grill-new-york/
La Pulpería
La Pulpería, a restaurant featuring rustic Latin cuisine, opened in 2021 in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. Named after the general stores found throughout South America, La Pulperia offers simple yet refined cuisine from the countries of Latin America with European influences from places like Italy and Spain.
La Pulperia, designed by Andres Gomez (Red Rooster, Whitehall, SoCo) mirrors the authentic pulperias of South America, with handcrafted floor tiles from Mexico, reclaimed wood from Brazil on the ceiling and walls, and abundant shelving displaying top-shelf liquor, fresh produce, and a wine list. Menu highlights include authentic empanadas, stuffed with beef, corn and Manchego, or lump blue crab; sushi-grade tuna tartare; and a massive paella, overflowing with fresh seafood, chorizo, and Latin spices.
Not to be missed is their extravagant weekend drag brunch where you can indulge in classic brunch staples, as well as La Pulperia favorites like the Dulce De Leche French Toast, all while enjoying a show. And if celebrations are in order, opt for the famous #YOLOGLASS, a larger-than-life sangria wine glass, made for sharing with 7-8 friends.
623 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
LaPulperianNYC.com