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Click to read review La Crémaillère is a charming French country restaurant, nestled in a 1750 white clapboard farmhouse. La Crémaillère is located at 46 Bedford-Banksville Road, Bedford, Westchester NY 10506. "This romantic, historic and venerable French restaurant, with an Award Winning Wine Cellar and highly reputed cuisine, has been delighting a local and cosmopolitan clientele for five decades."
The word is "Lovely ambiance, fabulous food, and great service" accompanied by a "superb wine list" are hallmarks of this country French restaurant in "a beautiful, charming and romantic setting".
Click to read review Le Jardin du Roi, a French bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is located at 95 King Street in Chappaqua, NY 10514 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "Le Jardin du Roi, in downtown Chappaqua, invites guests to dine in French bistro style. The dark, wooden interior creates a cozy setting where you can enjoy a relaxed and romantic meal, celebrate a special occasion, or spend a nice night out with your family. The ever-popular patio provides a perfect atmosphere for outdoor dining."
Restaurant Review
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast served 7 days a week (8:00am until 4:00pm) Outdoor dining in garden patio
The word is Attractive restaurant, good food, and excellent service. In good weather, enjoy a meal outdoors in the lovely garden.
Click to read review Jackie's Bistro, serving French cuisine, is located at 434 White Plains Road in Eastchester NY 10709 in Westchester County.
The word is Most agree that Jackie's Bistro is an "excellent French, bistro-style, family restaurant" where the service is "always welcoming" and the restaurant is "warm and cozy" with a charming "French atmosphere".
Rue Des Crepes, a French cafe and Bistro serving crepes, desserts, and more, is located at 261 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528 in Westchester County.
Restaurant Review
Outdoor dining (few tables in front of restaurant Sunday Brunch
The word is Rue Des Crepes a "so cute" French cafe comes "complete with Parisian bistro tables and chairs", "fresh crepes stuffed with savory and sweet items", and great desserts".
Click to read review Buffet de la Gare, serving classic French cuisine, is located at 155 Southside Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson NY 10706, in one of the quaint River Towns of Westchester County.
The word is Book reservations for this small and lovely French restaurant offering "authentic French food and atmosphere" and the "best French cuisine in Westchester County".
Click to read review Red Hat on River, billed as a French Bistro, is located at One Bridge Street, Irvington-on-Hudson NY 10533, Westchester County. "This French bistro-inspired eatery is housed in a hundred-year-old factory building that has been transformed to feature an uninterrupted, 180 degree view of the Hudson River."
Restaurant Review
Live Music Organic, line caught, and sustainable raised options Waterfront dining at the bank of the Hudson River
The word is Beautiful restaurant with amazing waterfront views; on a good weather day, dine outside or have drinks on the rooftop lounge or patio and take in the magnificent views of the Hudson River. Lunch or dinner, the food is excellent, with many organic and grass-fed options. Fabulous!
Click to read review Encore Bistro Francais, serving French food, is located at 22 Chatsworth Ave in Larchmont NY 10538, Westchester County.
From the owner: "Encore Bistro Francais was opened in March 2000 in Larchmont, NY. David Masliah, the owner of this cozy French Bistro, is originally from Lyon, France. He chose Larchmont because of the bustling downtown area and the absence of any French restaurants. Larchmont is also home to a very large French community. Encore offers a typical French Bistro Menu for both lunch and dinner."
Click to read review Le Provençal Bistro, serving French bistro food, is located at 436 Mamaroneck Ave, diagonally across from the Mamaroneck train station, Westchester NY 10543. Press blue button for menus and more about Le Provençal Bistro.
Restaurant Review
Outdoor dining on sidewalk
The word is Beautiful light filled dining room, excellent service, and great food; go any night but Saturday when the noise is so loud you cannot have a conversation.
The word is Beautiful restaurant with "absolutely incredible food" but the service can be indifferent, and the noise level on weekends can be shattering. If you go, try lunch or dinner during the week, the food is delicious.
Click to read review FAB, a French American Bistro, serving excellent French cuisine, is located at 222 East Main Street in Mount Kisco, NY 10549 in Westchester County.
Restaurant Review
Live Music Noise level = Can be loud Organic Option Outdoor dining on patio Sunday Brunch
The word is This "attractive restaurant" "with a Manhattan vibe" is a "first rate French Bistro" offering "excellent service" and "delicious dishes", although a bit pricey.
VOX Restaurant, serving fine French cuisine, is located at 721 Titicus Road (Route 116 & 121) North Salem, NY 10560 in Westchester County.
Restaurant Review
Outdoor dining on patio The word is This charming French bistro is "our favorite restaurant" offering lovely decor and excellent food in a "warm and gracious atmosphere". In good weather, dine outside on the patio with views of the country landscape. Also in Restaurant Features Outdoor Dining Sunday Brunch
Click to read review Bistro Rollin, a French Bistro, is located at 140 Fifth Ave, Pelham NY 10803. Press blue button for reviews, menus and more about Bistro Rollin.
The word is Wonderful food, wonderful atmosphere . . . like being in Paris.
Click to read review La Panetière, serving New French cuisine, is located at 530 Milton Road, Rye, NY 10580 in Westchester County. In this era of noisy restaurants, "La Panetière offers an oasis; a hushed dining room with well-spaced tables at which diners can have and hear their own conversation."
The word is Enjoy first class service, at this "charming country French" where the "food was impeccable and service outstanding" and "although pricey, it is worth it for a special occasion diner".
Click to read review Le Château, serving French cuisine, is located at Route 35 and Junction 123, South Salem, New York 10590. Set on 32 beautiful acres in northern Westchester County, Le Château offers lovely views and dinner in the historic 20-room mansion.
Restaurant Review
Live Music and dancing (call for dates) Outdoor Dining Sunday Brunch
The word is The food and decor are wonderful, but check if a party is taking place. If yes, ask to be seated as far from the noise as possible.
Click to read review Chiboust Bistro & Bakery, serving French cuisine, is located at 14 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591 in one of the Westchester County river towns.
Restaurant Review
Bakery Small Plates Wine Bar
The word is Wonderful food "lovingly prepared" and served in a small and intimate setting. Don't miss the bakery, a perfect stop for a morning coffee and croissant or a casual lunch to dine in or take out.
Click to read review The Equus, serving New American - French, is located in the beautiful and historic Castle on Hudson hotel at 400 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown, NY 10591 in Westchester County.
From the owner: In 1981, the town of Tarrytown designated the Castle a historic landmark, protecting the outside structure from ever being changed. . . Much of the original interior woodwork and furnishings, which were built by a team of carpenters brought from Germany, still remain intact. Designed for graceful living and entertaining, the Castle has been renovated into a luxury hotel.
Restaurant Review
Attractive dining rooms and garden room Outdoor dining on seasonal terrace with beautiful views Sunday Brunch
The word is "The food was cooked to perfection" served in beautiful dining rooms, or on the lovely veranda with stunning views. However, the service is often "less than spectacular". Dining at the Equus is a "memorable experience". For some, it may be "over the top", but it is exquisite. What more can one say? It's pricey.
Provence Restaurant, serving Southern French and Mediterranean cuisine, is located at 1475 Western Ave, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY 12203 in the Capital Region of New York.
Restaurant Review
Live Jazz in the lounge Patio dining
The word is Sometimes "the food is great" other times "it can be off" at this "comfortable French and Mediterranean".
Le Gamin Country, a French bistro, is located at 609 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534, Columbia County in the Hudson River Valley.
The word is Authentic casual French ambiance make this popular Cafe a good place to go for breakfast, crepes, sandwiches, salads, and great coffee - if they are in the mood to serve you.
The Bocuse Restaurant, serving French cuisine, is located at 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY 12538 in Dutchess County.
From the owner: "The exciting new student-staffed Bocuse Restaurant provides a dining experience that is inspired by traditional French regional cuisine, re-envisioned through the lens of modern techniques. The menu includes creative new interpretations of classics selected from the bistros of the French countryside as well as the sophisticated restaurants of Paris."
Press blue button for photos, menu, and more about Bocuse and the Culinary Institute of America.
Restaurant Review
CIA's French restaurant (replaced Escoffier) Serving lunch and dinner
The word is Bocuse Restaurant, named after Paul Bocuse, the celebrated chef from Lyon, has replaced Escoffier; and with this change comes a new era of French cooking at the CIA. Chef Paul Bocuse stressed the importance of fresh ingredients of the highest quality, and now Chefs at Bocuse, will source the most seasonal and fresh ingredients from the Hudson Valley.
The Culinary Institute of America, CIA, is located at 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park NY 12538, Dutchess County in the Hudson River Valley. Call 845-471-6608, for reservations at one of the excellent restaurants at The Culinary Institute of America.
Restaurants American Bounty Restaurant Apple Pie Bakery Cafe Caterina de' Medici Escoffier St. Andrew's Café
Press blue button for information about each of the restaurants, and for scheduling tours at the Culinary Institute of America.
The Stissing House Restaurant and Tavern, serving Country French cuisine, is located at 7801 South Main Street, Pine Plains NY 12567, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. For over two centuries the Stissing House has hosted visiting dignitaries and locals for private dinners, politicians for election debates, and celebrated the marriages of the sons and daughters of beautiful Dutchess County. Most early American gathering spots have vanished, making The Stissing House, open since 1782, one of America's oldest and longest operated restaurants.
The word is "Pine Plains is lovely and the country setting of the restaurant is perfect". Enjoy the "wonderful dining room" that is especially warm and inviting in the winter"; serving "excellent food prepared on the wood grill & oven". For more affordable fare, enjoy burgers and pizza in the cozy bar with wide-plank floors and a country feel.”
Arielle, serving French Mediterranean cuisine, is located at 51 East Market Street, Rhinebeck NY 12572, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. Press blue button for photos, menus and more about Arielle in historic Rhinebeck, New York.
The word is The food is excellent, beautifully presented, and the inviting country decor is lovely.
Le Petit Bistro, serving French cuisine, is located at 8 East Market Street, Rhinebeck NY 12572, Dutchess County in the mid-Hudson Valley. Delicious food and wonderful service make this charming French Bistro a favorite among Rhinebeck residents and visitors. La Petit Bistro is voted "Best French Restaurant in Hudson Valley".
The word is The food is delicious and the service attentive at this wonderful French Bistro offering a "romantic atmosphere".
Luc's Restaurant is located at 3 Big Shop Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877 in the lower level of one of the oldest buildings in Ridgefield. "We offer Non-Stop service from 11:00 AM until the closing. At Luc's, you can be served anything from the menu anytime of day or night, a classic feature of an authentic French Bistro."
The critically acclaimed Stonehenge Inn and Restaurant is an old country Inn nestled in a classic New England setting offering award winning dining, lake side views, pampering staff and superior accommodations for a truly memorable experience. Named after old English country towns, each of the sixteen guest rooms and suites available at the Stonehenge Inn have been uniquely decorated with classically elegant furnishings, luxury bedding and pampering bath amenities. Press blue button for photos, menus, rooms and more about Stonehenge Inn and Restaurant.
The Arch, serving French Eclectic cuisine, is located at 1292 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley.
From the owner: Originally a private home in the 1930’s, The Arch has been in business for over 40 years offering consistently excellent cuisine in a truly elegant country setting. The Arch is a place for many engagements, Seder dinners, intimate wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers. We have an ideal location to host small corporate dinner functions in our private rooms and are discreetly equipped with all necessary modern conference needs. Birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings are often celebrated here. We particularly love to surprise."
Restaurant Review
Local, grass-fed and organic options Outdoor dining on the patio Sunday Brunch
The word is Nothing but rave reviews for this beautiful restaurant offering wonderful views, excellent service, and outstanding food. "The Arch is beautiful, serves delicious food, has lovely views, and attentive service; at a price.” "As always, the food is excellent and the setting is gorgeous." "You must order the soufflé for dessert."
Click to read review Le Bouchon Brasserie, serving French food, is located at 76 Main Street in Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County. Le Bouchon Brasserie offers a porch for Outdoor dining and a lovely garden.
Restaurant Review
Outdoor dining on patio and porch
The word is Excellent French fair at this French restaurant serving classic favorites such as steak frites, cassoulet, moules, and more French favorites, in a charming atmosphere where everything is "very French"; at times, even the service.
Alain's Bistro, serving French cuisine, is located at 9 Ingalls Street (Route 59) Central Nyack, NY 10960, in one of the Hudson River Towns of Rockland County.
From the owner: "In my experience, a successful restaurant should have its own personality; a combination of great food and charming ambiance. Through the years, I have strived to maintain this focus, including my latest endeavor, "Alain's Bistro” in Nyack. With the understanding that fine French cuisine requires a particular attention to detail, I set out to move away from the high volume format, to one which is more intimate and personal. A smaller, cozier, environ, and sole proprietorship has allowed me to achieve my goal of providing fine French cuisine, in a comfortable rustic atmosphere, at very affordable prices. Simply, this means great food at reasonable prices, with people whose first names I remember."
The word is "Alain's is a hidden gem" in a "great space beautifully decorated" with a warm "French farmhouse feel" and "fabulous food". We have been back several times and are never disappointed at this "upscale French bistro". Don't be put off by the strip mall location. Must try.
Patisserie Didier Dumas, a small French cafe and bakery, is located at 163 Main Street, Nyack, NY 10960, in one of the Hudson River Towns of Rockland County.
From the owner: "Whether you are a regular who stops by every morning for a coffee and pastry or an occasional Nyack visitor who seeks that special lunch location, Patisserie Didier Dumas has delicious items that will please you. The art of the dessert is taken to new heights by master artisan chef Didier Dumas who creates novel and elegant cakes, pies and pastries that make for a perfect ending to a gourmet meal."
The word is Enjoy tea, "delicious coffee" and much more at this "super cute cafe" offering "the best French pastry". "Bread, pastries, sandwiches - all tasty and elegantly prepared” and don't miss the "goat cheese tart".
Sidewalk Bistro is located at 482 Piermont Ave #1, Piermont, New York 10968 in Rockland County. The menu offers French bistro fare, including salads, organic chicken, rack of lamb and rib eye with frites. “Simple but elegant food,” says Alain. “We’re trying to stay away from butter and cream."
The word is "Excellent food" at this "charming French bistro" where its "fun to eat-out on the sidewalk patio" or the pretty backyard patio with its own bar; wherever you sit "you're sure to enjoy".
Located just a short distance from Sidewalk Bistro, before dinner, enjoy a walk on the Pier at Piermont or the North Shore Walkway (North Shore Walkway closes at 8:00 pm and the Pier walk closes at 9:00 pm)
Le Canard Enchaine, serving fine French food, is located at 276 Fair Street, Kingston NY 12401, Ulster County in the Hudson Valley. "Best French bistro north of Manhattan" -Zagat 2009
The word is French bistro serving the best in French cuisine and French wines; in a tasteful and cozy atmosphere with geniunely warm and friendly service.
Find French restaurants and places to eat that serve French cuisine in Ulster County, New York. If you are dining out in Ulster County NY, check this list of French restaurants. Read The word is reviews about a French restaurant's food, decor, service, and features.
About French Cuisine
Most people agree that one of France's most important attractions is its cuisine. The French are often said to have a "love affair" with food. French food is cooked to be enjoyed and savored, without being rushed. Traditional family meals, especially the Sunday mid-day meal, are prepared with great pride and attention. The French dine slowly and with appreciation, often pairing courses with a number of wines.
Modern French cuisine is characterized by its diversity. French cuisine is considered to be one of the world's most refined and elegant styles of cooking, and is renowned for both its classical "haute cuisine" and provincial styles. Many of the world's greatest chefs include Eugénie Brazier (first woman chef to receive six Michelin stars), Alain Ducasse, Paul Bocuse and Julia Child (famous for teaching America all about the art of French cuisine). French cooking techniques have been a major influence on virtually all Western cuisines. Most culinary schools use French cuisine as the basis for all other forms of Western cooking.
Origins of French Cuisine
In the early 15th century, the Renaissance flourished in Florence. Culture included not only art and music, but also the "art of cooking". French Cuisine originated from the cooking styles of Italy that were brought to the French court by Catherine de Medicis, wife of King Henri II of France. The word is that she was so disappointed by the cooking methods of the French that she brought her own entourage of Italian chefs to the French court. Catherine's Italian chefs taught the French the importance of enhancing various foods and fresh ingredients rather than smothering the ingredients and "hiding" food that was going bad. In addition to the new skills in preparing food, Italian chefs also brought more modern methods of food preparation and more elegant dining practices.
Regions of France
Each region of France is known for its own distinctive cuisine. French regional cuisine uses locally grown vegetables and ingredients helping to ensure a fresh and tasty meal. Local street markets are held on certain days in most localities; towns of a certain importance generally have a more permanent covered market in which food shops, especially meat and fish retailers, sell their fresh produce. French wine and French cheese are an integral part of French cuisine, both as ingredients and accompaniments.
The French, a nation of gourmets, know that the best food is made from local ingredients. Therefore, coastal regions (such as Brittany and Normandy, on the northwest coast of France) will favor sea fish, using it creatively and more often than areas further inland. Likewise, areas where fruit or herbs grow easily, will incorporate these into their local cuisine. Each region, in addition to boasting local specialities, also has a general style of cooking and choice of ingredients.
Regional Styles of French Cuisine
- Cuisine from northwest France uses butter, cream (crème fraiche), and apples.
- Cuisine from southwest France uses duck fat, foie gras, porcini mushrooms, and gizzards.
- Cuisine from southeast France uses olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes, influenced by Spanish and Italian.
- Cuisine from northern France uses potatoes, pork, endives and beer, influenced by Flemish cuisine.
- Cuisine from northeast France uses lard, sausage, beer, sauerkraut, influenced by Flemish cuisine.
In addition to French Regional styles of cooking, there are many local cuisines. Unique and wonderful flavor abounds in the food of the Loire Valley, Basque cuisine, Roussillon and Catalan cuisine, and other local areas in France.
What is often known outside of France as French cuisine is the traditionally elaborate haute cuisine, served in restaurants at high prices. Haute cuisine is mostly influenced by the regional cuisines of Lyon and northern France. Average French people do not eat or prepare this cuisine in their everyday life.
As a general rule, elderly people tend to eat the regional cuisine of the region where they are located, while younger people often eat dishes from other regions including foreign dishes. Exotic cuisines, particularly Chinese cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine and some dishes from former colonies in Northern Africa have made inroads into France.
Typical Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast
The day begins with a light breakfast in the morning, generally consisting of bread with jam and spreads, often replaced nowadays by breakfast cereals, a hot drink such as coffee, tea or chocolate flavored milk, some fruit or fruit juice. Hotel breakfasts often contain croissants, but it is uncommon for French people to eat croissants at every breakfast; they may be replaced with other kinds of viennoiserie such as pains au chocolat, madeleines, etc.
Lunch and Dinner
Lunch is usually eaten between noon and 2:00 p.m. Dinner is usually served after 7:30 p.m. However there are large variations depending on the local regional cultures. Dinner is usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Alsace region while it is usually served after 8:30 p.m. in southern France. A typical dinner starts with an appetizer (crudités or salad), the main course is usually fish or meat served with vegetables, pasta, rice, or fries. The main course is followed by salad, cheese, fruit or a sweet such as cake. Espresso is often served after the noon meal.
Drinks and Wine
Although the legal drinking age in France is 16, there seems to be infrequent incidences with alcoholic beverages. Traditionally, France has been a culture that enjoys wine daily. Recently, wine seems to have been replaced with beer (among the youth). Other alcoholic drinks include pastis, an aniseed flavoured beverage or cider. However, many of the French still enjoy wine daily.
Brasseries
Brasseries often serve the following dishes - often with fries:
Steak with fries.
Poulet frites-chicken with fries.
Croque-monsieur (grilled Swiss cheese and ham sandwich).
French Dishes - Or are they French?
Although the following dishes are considered typical of French cuisine in some foreign countries, they are rarely eaten in France:
Frog legs
Escargots
French Desserts
Crêpes
Chocolate Mousse
Pastries
Mille-feuille
Choux a la creme
Baba au rhum
Tarts
French Restaurant Cuisine
Restaurant cuisine in France can be divided into three categories.
Cuisine Bourgeoise
Cuisine bourgeoise includes all the classic French dishes that have become popular over the whole of France, especially among the affluent classes. These dishes focus mainly on rich, cream-based sauces and involve some complex cooking techniques that are generally associated with French cuisine. This category makes use of haute cuisine, a very complex approach to food preparation and kitchen management. This type of cooking is often served abroad as "French cuisine" and is viewed by many (outside of France) as typical French cuisine. The French may eat "Cuisine Bourgeoise" for special occasions, while everyday meals are much simpler in preparation.
Cuisine du Terroir
Cuisine du terroir consists mostly of regional specialties, using quality local products in addition to traditional recipes. Many dishes that are included in this category aren't considered to be typically French. In many cases regional cooking styles are quite different from the dishes served in French restaurants all over the world.
Cuisine Nouvelle
Cuisine nouvelle originated around 1970. The characteristic features of this category are: shorter cooking times, lighter sauces and dressings and smaller portions offered in a decorative manner. Cuisine nouvelle is a modern style that is inspired by techniques and combinations from other countries, such as Asia.
Food Culture
It is common in much of France to take a two hour break for lunch, with many working parents (particularly in villages and smaller towns) returning home for lunch. In some areas, mainly in the south of France, even longer lunch breaks are taken. Due to the long lunch break, businesses often close from noon to 2:00 p.m. and then stay open until 7:00 p.m.