Gigot d'Agneau Provencale at db Bistro Moderne

Sel et Poivre

ADDRESS: 853 Lexington Avenue

(Between 64^th and 65^th Streets)

New York, NY 10065

WEB SITE: www.seletpoivrenyc.com

TELEPHONE: (212) 517-5780

FAX: (212) 517-4785

HOURS: Lunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Mon.-Fri.

Dinner: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Mon.-Thurs.

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Fri.-Sat.

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sun.

Brunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Sat.-Sun.

CUISINE: French Bistro

CREDIT CARDS: All major

DESIGNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

EXECUTIVE CHEF: Christian Schienle

WINE DIRECTOR: Christian Schienle

OWNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

OPENING DATE: June, 1989

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In our quest to review the newest and most trendy restaurant openings, let’s not forget New York’s heritage of charming family-run establishments. Whether they be American, ethnic or a charming French bistro such as Sel et Poivre (Above), they are worth revisiting, remembering and add focus to a constantly changing restaurant scene, where the venue or clientele is often the main feature.

The stylish, sophisticated dining room is enhanced by a 12-foot high ceiling, candlelit wood tables with white linen tablecloths, The: Intimate, romantic ambiance includes leather and fabric-upholstered banquettes, classic wood bistro chairs, antique sconces, pale yellow walls,wood floors, classic mirrors, black-and-white framed family photos of international travels alongside prints from renowned European photographers, and mood lighting to create a classic Parisian bistro setting.

Owner/Chef Christian Schienle, formerly at L’Absinthe, is handsome, charming and prepares classic French bistro dishes with a refined, updated flair.

Favored appetizers include crunchy Celery root remoulade with red beets, an intensely flavored Venison Pate and wonderful, Escargots with garlic butter and herbs. Go for the signature bistro classics in such delectable entrees as Brook trout Almandine, Frog legs a la Provencal, Pork Chop with Braised Onions and Apples in a heady calvados sauce with crispy herb roasted potatoes, tender, juicy Rack of lamb served with tomatoes and zucchini mélange and crispy Duck a l’orange with wild rice Inquire about the daily specials such as (Friday) Cassoulet , (Saturday) Cous Cous Royal and (Sunday) Roasted leg of lamb.

Go easy on the excellent warm baguettes. You want to save room for the terrific desserts. I loved the layered Chocolate Mousse, traditional Profiteroles and  light and  elegant Fresh Fruit Tart.  There is cheese and a nice selection of sorbets as well.

The 10-foot long custom-made L-shaped oak bar, located in the front of the Dining Room, features a predominantly French and American wine list with an international flair. It features handsome wood barstools. An impressive variety of wines are available by the glass. In addition, a premier selection of spirits,liquors, digestifs, dessert wines, imported beers,and classic cocktails are also available. The Lunch,Dinner, and Brunch Menus are available at the bar.

We found the cocktails well made and generous. Wine red wine glasses are attractive and large enough to allow wines such as the excellent  2006 CHATEAU LES HAUTES TUILERIES, (52.00 the bottle, $13.50 by the glass) room to breathe. This is a fine red vintage wine from the Lalande de Pomerol region in Bordeaux France

Service and reception at the door and warm and friendly, so take our advice and revisit Sel et Poivre. If this your first time, you’re in for an affordable and eminently pleasant dining experience.

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