Gregory Marchand is all smiles these days – the Chef Owner of Frenchie is halfway through this year’s birth announcements. After months of renovating the tiny space literally across the street from the restaurant, his long awaited wine bar has just opened – and in the fall he’ll be welcoming a baby girl into the world.
It started by ripping out old sheet rock and fluorescent lighting to expose the same beautiful stone, brick, wood and floors and then adding a zinc bar that give restaurant Frenchie it’s cool urban factory-loft vibe.
After what seemed like forever, the doors were opened during the launch party on June 21 ( ironically the longest day of the year) – where a fabulous jazz band & singer entertained the crowd taking up every cobblestone in the alley. We had a great time (Merci Greg!) and left full fat ‘n happy well after 1 am.
He looked high and low around town before deciding that he wanted to offer more than ham and wine fare – serving simply “Frenchie” small plates paired with glasses (or bottles) of an international roster of wines.
Greg even brought in one of his former colleagues from Jamie Oliver’s FIFTEEN restaurant in London, Harry, who will oversee the food and cooking… while Frenchie’s sommeliers Laura Vidal and Aurélien Massé are uncorking 6 bubblies, 15 whites, 15 reds and 5 sweet wines.
He didn’t rule out charcuterie completely, this is France! Classic starters of foie gras, country paté, 4 year “aged” Iberico ham and pork belly are on the menu – followed by summer salads of cherry tomato and my personal favorite, watermelon/fava bean/ricotta/mint.
Thankfully he’s kept his signature smoked trout with vegetables…
and the gorgeous (what I call the “black and blue” dessert salad) blue cheese with black cherries…
and the Napoléon cheese with black truffles and summer honey…
and the chocolat with raspberries and the sex on a plate salted butter caramel sauce.
Its only been open ten days, but its like it was always there – a bright little price friendly spot on an otherwise dark alley in the former garment district.
Open from Monday – Friday, 7 to midnight, reservations aren’t accepted so arriving early is highly recommended.
SUMMER HOURS:
Restaurant is closed July 22nd- August 23rd. Wine Bar is closed July 29 – August 23rd.
Menu 7 to 14 euros, wine list has a wide variety of price points between 16 and 60 euros.
Frenchie, 5 rue du Nil, 2nd arr; M° Sentier
Great article! You’ve really captured the spirit of the place–good food and wine, friendly people, a wonderful experience.