Les Halles NYC
At this moment The French Bistro is very popular in New York. Leonie van Spronsen did visit one. She loves the French bistros in Paris so a small critical eye is unavoidable. But if you love the French bistro style and if you go to NY we recommend to try the French bistros with their American twists… Les Halles NYC – Park Avenue location.
You can see it from afar, the facade, the lanterns, even the tiny little terrace out front, there it is, Anthony Bourdain’s version of Paris! And yes, the food is delicious, prepared tableside, priced as it should in a French bistro and it is a lovely night out, don’t get me wrong I loved it, but I have to say, the feeling that I actually left Manhattan and stepped into Paris? Not really!
And here’s why; For all of you that have been to Paris numerous times, you know the details of a French bistro. First of all, the staff is usually 95% male, with your occasional female hostess. Secondly, the staff is always properly dressed, black and white, the classics. The music in any French bistro might feel old-fashioned to many, but it belongs to the concept, French chansons.
Needless to say, there were quite some women on the waiting staff, they were all wearing jeans under their aprons and in the background we heard some nice romantic.. Housemusic!!
One other element was a little off, I personally loved it, but it’s not typically French bistro style, experimenting with classic dishes! A traditional French bistro is a menu full of classics, no more no less, and les halles’ menu featured a burger Rossini!! Which by the way, I will be coming back for, it intrigued me.
All in all a great night out with lovely food, but not quite a night in Paris..
Bron: Leonie van Spronsen
Website: Les Halles
