taste
25A
Bagatelle French Flair in Manhattan
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By Sara Barry
steemed French restaurant Bagatelle New York invites you to the Meatpacking District to bask in European-style grandeur. Located in the former Collective space at One Little West 12th Street, Bagatelle invigorates the Meatpacking District with French cuisine, a lively atmosphere and European flair. Bagatelle’s cuisine is a marriage of contemporary and traditional French cuisine, with dishes drawing inspiration from the south of France that are executed exquisitely. Bagatelle is adorned with a new outdoor terrace, reminiscent of one at a Parisian cafe. An intimate dining room with a full bar awaits you as you walk through the doors. Modern art, in an almost abstract-expressionist style, adorns some of the sleek white walls, which are detailed with fine molding. The decor is sophisticated, yet has a hidden lightheartedness evident in the choice of art. Bagatelle is well-known for its over-the-top, energetic brunch party, featuring thundering music courtesy of a DJ, champagne, even people dancing on chairs. This is what results when classy meets hip. Be sure to reserve a table before heading over, because Bagatelle, restaurant by day, club by night, is typically bustling with people. For appetizers, delight in fruit of the sea and try the Maine Diver Scallops or the Ahi Tuna Tartare with Avocado Salad. Or, try the ceviche-like Crab Salad, a meal sure to be memorable. As an entrée, the Châteaubriand Pour Deux is a crowd favorite, topped with truffle potato purée, and a red wine and peppercorn sauce. Try the Pizza à la Truffle Noire, topped with black truffles, or the Côte de Bœuf, a perfectly cooked bone-in ribeye. The chef’s unique creations, such as Crab
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Salad with Grapefruit and Fennel or a Poulet Truffle Pour Deux with Yukon gold potatoes, shallots and button mushrooms, are also sure to impress. Bagatelle also shines in the dessert arena; try a Pavlova Fraises et Vanille, an Italian meringue crisp with strawberry marmalade and sauce and vanilla Chantilly or a Chouchou Caramel, caramelized hazelnut mini choux puff with milk chocolate caramel sauce, among other great options. The Huge Sundae can be shared by ten people and is equipped with sparklers, making it a show of its own. The restaurant offers a one-thousand-dollar ice cream sundae, the Mauboussin Mega Sundae, featuring scoops of vanilla ice cream and Dom Perignon Rose sorbet topped with chocolate truffles, macarons, whipped cream, chocolate vodka sauce and gilded brownies, with a sprinkle of gold leaf. If you are in search of a luxury dessert, this is the one. Bagatelle’s chefs have grown up in Normandy, Alsace and Brittany, and expertly and creatively craft cuisine that finds its roots in two continents. Bagatelle New York’s kitchen is led by acclaimed Chef Nicolas Frezal who brings his exciting creations to the New York dining scene. Bagatelle New York’s union of finely prepared French cuisine and a lively club-like atmosphere is what makes the New York dining scene an adventure. 1 Little West 12th Street New York, NY 10014 212.488.2110 bagatellenyc.com