SoHo has Balthazar and the Meatpacking District has Pastis and now the Upper East Side finally boasts its own perfectly French bistro hangout. Welcome to Monsieur Bistro, a stylish, laid-back eatery from restauranteurs Theliau Probst and Thibaut Castet, the charming guys behind the wildly popular Maison Close, Petite Disco and Layla Montauk. “We are excited to bring a new concept to the Upper East Side, blending the art of French cuisine with a focus on healthy, everyday options,” says Probst. Monsieur Bistro partner Castet sees Monsieur Bistro – chic and casual with dark wood, plush velvet fabrics, comfy almost Hermès-orange banquettes and an intimate bar – as a local hangout. “We imagine a warm and inviting space where everyone can gather to enjoy a daily taste of France. We aim for guests to unwind over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, whether they’re with family or friends, fostering a sense of community,” he says.
The food is the star at Monsieur Bistro. Executive chef Geoffrey Lechantoux grew up around fine French dining. His father was the chef at Paladin Saint Louis in Versailles and Lechantoux worked at Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin-starred Le Louis XV at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco. We are already addicted to the soup à l’oignon gratinée, the fresh linguine with a creamy truffle sauce and the lamb parmentier which is slow-cooked and comes with mashed potatoes. For dessert, do not skip the classic crème brûlée or the chocolate mousse topped with caramelized macadamia nuts. And bring the kiddies. Monsieur Bistro even has a special kids menu with options like casarecce pasta with butter that will have adults picking off their children’s plates. – PETER DAVIS
Monsieur Bistro is located at 853 Lexington Avenue, (212) 517-5780
