Benoit in NYC, New York
If there is a place that does not disappoint for Restaurant Week, it is Benoit, the French bistro owned by Chef Alain Ducasse. This is the perfect occasion to try this place that I visited before (check my review of Benoit here).
I love the feel of that place that makes you travel miles away, in an elegant French bistro in Paris.
Tap room at Benoit in NYC, New York
Dining room at Benoit in NYC, New York
For restaurant week Summer 2015, they offer the traditional appetizer, entrée and dessert for $25 (lunch): a good deal for this place. I went with one of my friends on a Friday. I was surprised that the place was not packed. It might have been because people preferred a place with a terrace, the weather being quite nice outside.
Bread and butter at Benoit in NYC, New York
Bread at Benoit in NYC, New York
They started off by bringing some cheese puffs or goujeres that were fantastic (not enough I would say) and some bread and butter.
Gougères or cheese puffs at Benoit in NYC, New York
Then, they proposed a gazpacho as the soup of the day. Not really a French specialty, but perfect for the summer.
Gazpacho at Benoit in NYC, New York
Gazpacho at Benoit in NYC, New York
It was served in the same pot as a French onion soup would be served in, adding a bit of charm. It was good and refreshing, although I like mine less chunky.
For the entrée, there was a Massachusetts hake
Hake at Benoit in NYC, New York
But I preferred the poulet a la Basquaise (Basque chicken), a South Western specialty from France. It is a braised chicken cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, shallots... and served with rice.
Poulet a la Basquaise at Benoit in NYC, New York
Riz pilaf at Benoit in NYC, New York
I loved the presentation that was very rustic. Taste wise, it was delicious: the chicken was perfectly cooked and moist and I could have eaten the sauce with a spoon. It was a very comforting dish.
For dessert, they had the classic creme brûlée,
Creme brûlée at Benoit in NYC, New York
As well as some homemade tarts. I decided to go for the strawberry and pistachio tart that was superb, especially the crust that was buttery.
Strawberry and pistachio tart at Benoit in NYC, New York
This was a great deal and I really recommend Benoit for Restaurant Week or just for a regular meal there. This is for me a good choice if you are looking for a French restaurant. And if you go, try their cassoulet: it is divine!
Enjoy (I did)!
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