Though it has been many years since I lived anywhere near the South End, I have recently found another reason (other than my long-time fave, Tremont 647) to head back to the old neighborhood.
Frenchie (www.frenchieboston.com) is a new twist on classic French cuisine that is authentically, beautifully, and deliciously pulled off by French natives Sandrine Rossi and Loic Le Garrec (who, as may not surprise anyone who loves good French food with flair, also runs Petit Robert Bistro).
Though the space itself is underground, the feeling of bright openness that pervades is palpable and encouraging. From the white-on-white marble floors, brick walls, and hammered ceilings to the customized floral wallpaper that serves as an entryway to the greenhouse back patio with its sun-dappling ivy curtains, the space is bright, clean, and inviting.
Though the wood and granite bar is backed by large mirrors that show off the liquor collection and glistening glassware, the star of the bar is the signature (and imported) Frozé machines, which combine Rose wine and fresh seasonal fruit into a chilly punch with punch. There is also the venue’s eponymous drink (a mixture of vodka, Angostura bitters, lemon, and Champagne) and the Ginger Honey (ginger ale, Jack Daniels Honey, and lemon), and other creative cocktails. In addition to these, Frenchie also offers a clever clutch of beers that range from lagers and Lambics to ciders and white beers, a “sweet and welcoming” cordial menu that includes such fun faves as Sanbuca, Chambord, St. Germain, and Pinnacle vodka and also “reserved” options like Bar Hill gin and Lucid Absinthe. As a wine bar, Frenchie has everything from Champagne and other sparkling and seasonal selections to a wide array of organized-by-flavor soon-to-be-favorites including “crispy” and “rich” whites, “earthy” and “meatier” reds, and the owner’s family recipes, as well as selections of ports and sweet wines and even a pair of Eaux de Vie that includes a pear Cognac!
With your buzz beguilingly brought on, it is time to peruse the extensive menu. Fortunately, even after a few Frozés, it is hard to make a wrong choice when picking either from the menu or from the cruise-friendly crowd!
In addition to daily charcuterie selections and a pick-your-own “big cheese” board, Frenchie offers a variety of servings and sizes of all sorts of delicious flavors. Among the hot apps are drumstick coq au vin, fried softshell crabs, rainbow beans, and the DIY combo of Brussels and Mussels that seem popular with the lovely ladies who inhabit the spot. On the cooler side are a baby kale salad with red quinoa and radiishes, a tangy avocado cucumber gazpacho (with or without Jonah crab), steak or tuna tartare, and the requisite (but no less special) crudo du jour and individually-ordered oysters. There are also sharable portions of steak frite (with Frenchie’s tres yummy fries), boneless chicken with Ricotta gnocchi, foie gras, Branzino (pour deux), and even octopus (pour eight, no?) Their convertible croques come with either ham or turkey and can be made “Madame” with the addition of a well-timed egg. The crisp tartine are piled high with such tantalizing toppings as mixed mushrooms, Serrano ham and shaved parmesan, or homemade duck confit.
Regardless of what you started with, a visit to Frenchie is not complete without dessert (and perhaps a phone number or two!). The chocolate bread pudding with croissant is tres French, but the chocolate mousse is…how you say? AMAZING! And when I was advised that the French chocolate cake (prepared by Café Madeleine’s award-winning pastry chef Frederic Robert) is even more chocolatey, I knew I had to come back soon!
Will you feel the same way? Bien sûr!