Chocolate coulant with pistachio ice cream at Chez Lucienne (Photo: Roxana Marroquin)
Starting next week, consider these new arrivals for your dining and drinking pleasures:
Chez Lucienne Look for both traditional (beef bourguignonne) and bold (calf’s-foot croquettes) creations at Harlem’s newest French bistro, from Jerome Bougherdani and chef Matthew Tivy, both Daniel alums. 308 Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) between 125th and 126th Sts (212-289-5555)
Whiskey Sunday A massive wood smoker—capable of cooking 500 pounds of meat at once—is the keystone of Richard Krause’s already-open Texas barbecue joint, featuring an extensive whiskey collection. 49 Lincoln Rd between Flatbush and Ocean Aves, Prospect–Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn (718-282-7098)
Defonte’s of Brooklyn As has been previously reported, Red Hook’s famed 87-year-old sandwich shop will soon let Manhattanites in on why Brooklyn is so unfuggedable: It’s bringing its flavor-packed heros—including one stuffed with potato, egg and mozzarella—to Gramercy. 261 Third Ave at 21st St (212-614-1500)
Marfa As reported by Thrillist, a restaurant and music venue is coming to the former Waikiki Wally’s space, serving Lone Star “tapas” (e.g., mini corn dogs), along with a full menu. 101 E 2nd St between First Ave and Ave A (212-673-8908)
Arepa Arepa More than a dozen versions of the namesake South American cornmeal cake (rock shrimp, free-range chicken, chorizo, skirt steak, etc.) will be available at this Billyburg spot. 160 Havemeyer St between South 2nd and 3rd Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-388-5797)
And now for bars:
The Raines Law Room This addition to the city’s swelling catalog of throwback speakeasies requires a ring of the doorbell to enter—there’s no phone number and there are no reservations. 48 W 17th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (no phone)
Bar 108 Bar 108’s spartan name echoes its straightforward concept: comfy leather banquettes, eight TVs showing anything from ESPN to CNN, and more than 30 international beers. A kitchen will open in March. 108 W Houston St at Thompson St (212-505-2015)
—Compiled by Michael Anstendig, Daniel Gritzer, Timothy Monaghan and Jordana Rothman
Chez Lucienne: Food - taste and presentation are quite good. Price is excellent. Service is fair. Chez Lucienne could be a welcomed addition to Harlem. But, if if wants to succeed and have repeat guests it should consider the following:
There are too many tables jammed into too small a space, the coat check is a nightmare, the wait staff should be more attentive and most of all the should be more responsive to the needs of the guests. The host attitude is that of someone who is presiding over the management of an upscale, well established restaurant in a better economy. At the moment Chez Lucienne is enjoying great popularity based on the fact that it is the new kid on the block and that the neighborhood really needs new and good places to dine. However this popularity will soon fade if management does not make it a place where one wants to return again and again for an enjoyable dinning experience. Cramming people into a crowded and loud space and having a grand attitude is not the way to go in this neighborhood. Lastly the music is a wonderful touch. Too bad it can only be heard in the restroom.
Chez Lucienne
POSITIVES: I went to Chez Lucienne Saturday evening. I must say the Tuna over eggplant puree was excellent. This says alot because I am picky. My companion for the evening had the beef bourguignonne which was also excellent along with the Salmon appetizer.
NEGATIVES: The coat check is at the door. Literally - with no space to enter or leave. It may be a fire hazard.
The Manager has as extremely haughty affect. His manner towards us that evening was unacceptable. He squeezed three people at a banquet table for two next to us. Mind there are two many tables crammed into the space to begin with. I could not move without being touched the party next us. When my companion mentioned this to the manager, he was less than accomodating. He merely asked “Does that mean you will not be returning?” How inappropriate is that?
I wonder how long Chez Lucienne will last in Harlem?
It seems like some folks had a bad time at the opening for they were not used to bistro seating in a French restaurant. Its cozy and intimate with the right balance of subway tiles, wood floors, tin ceiling and exposed brick. A real winner with quality and presentation and the service is not rude if the customers are pleasant.