Having lived in Paris, I get very excited when I find a restaurant in New York that really captures the feeling of my favorite european city. The place is called cafe-epicierie becuase that means it's sort of a restaurant/grocery store hybrid. The front bar area is done in dark colours and has subdued lighting so you feel like you're in any NYC bar. But the dining room is bright with checkered blue table cloths. Shelves line the room and carry authentic French grocery items like soap and toys. I was so excited to find my old detergent on the walls! Aside from the decor, the food is great too. The bread is hot, crusty and fresh and the mussels are a must-have. They come in a steaming large pot. I've tried moules provencale in so many french restaurants, and these are very good. I used probably a loaf of bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. From someone who's been to many a parisien cafe, this place is great!
more