CHEZ LUCIENNE, May 9,2009

Chez Lucienne in Harlem is a classic French Bistro with a menu worthy of praise. Our party bar-hopped its way to Chez Lucienne, after visiting two other Harlem restaurants located in the area now known as “The Restaurant Raw of Harlem”. Chez Lucienne is located at 125 street and Malcolm X Blvd.  The front has a beautiful red canapé that is attractive and inviting. Our party was a group of eight. We had no reservations, but were warmly welcomed, and they sat us by the central bar where we enjoyed a full view of the restaurant. We started our dinner with three bottles of a very nice $30. Cote D’Rhone we all enjoyed and a few orders of their Ceviche de Thon, fresh Tuna Ceviche $9.00. Prices for wine started at $24, with a very nice selection of French wines (The restaurant also offers a full bar). The appetizers start at $7 for the Soup du Jour, and the Pate de Campagne Fait Maison (Homemade country pate); Tatare du Thon, Saumon Fume Fait Maison, Tomates et Bufallo Mozzarella, and the Ceviche de Thon $9.00. The Terrine de Foie Gras is $15, and the Caviar a la Russe is $24.  Entrees range from $14 to $19. My wife ordered the Salade Nicoise Classique $18, and I had a stupendous Bavette au Poivre (Sauteed skirt steak served with perfect potato gratin), as did two others at the table. Our other companions ordered The Burger du Chef (Kobe beef burger) $17, Saute de Saint Jacques  a L’Orange (Seared sea scallops in an orange reduction with fennel salad and snows peas) , and the Filet de Saumon e  Petits Legumes (Grilled salmon with lemon olive oil dressing and mixed vegetables). There were only compliments around the table. Other entrees include Thon Grilled Provencale (grilled tuna with zucchini and caper berries), Daube Nicoise (Braised beef with polenta, anchovies, capers and black olives), Coq au Vin (Braised chicken with Tagliatelle, mushrooms and onions), and Assiette de Charcuterie (Assorted charcuterie platter).  Desserts included Profiterolls, White chocolate fondant, and an excellent fruit tart. The wine menu offers very nice desserts wines, and excellent espresso. Service was friendly and very professional. Chef Thomas Obaton is from Lyon, France, and cooked with Guy Savoy in Paris.
Bon Apetite!

Chez Lucienne is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Reservations are important.This Bistro is quickly becoming popular with   New York restaurant goers. Chez Lucienne is definitely “The Harlem Perigord” and a must-visit establishment. For reservations, call Jerome at 212.289.5555. For more information, visit their website at chezlucienne.com. Chez Lucienne is located at 308 Malcolm X Blvd. (Lenox Ave.), between 125^th and 126^th streets.