While we have lost some old favourites like Brasserie Jo (I will miss their carrots and individual baguettes) and L’Espalier, a few new tastes of France have opened or will be opening soon.
Bon Appétit
There is Frenchie Wine Bistro right in the South End. This noisy little spot serves up some delicious food in a super cute setting. If you can get a table in the enclosed back porch I highly recommend nibbling on your escargot toast back there.
Across the river in Cambridge, we have the sweet little Colette Wine Bistro in the Porter Square Hotel. Since Colette is in a hotel, you can enjoy French breakfast, lunch or dinner in this fabulous setting. I have had breakfast there so far and I highly recommend it for a leisurely escape with friends. The space is gorgeous and the food was not overshadowed by it. I can’t wait to escape to France in Porter Square again for the other two meals.
Back in Boston, Newbury Street has a new little café with a French name but maybe more international roots to pop into. It sounds like the perfect spot to regroup between shops and galleries. Jonquils Café & Bakery is a spot I have been watching for a while and then I kind of forgot about it. Newbury Street definitely could use a new café so Jonquils is a welcome addition. Their cakes look unique and very impressive. I cannot wait to delve into one soon.
Coming Soon
Some time later this year, complete your day on Newbury Street and stop at Grand Tour for the classic French bistro experience. They are tempting me with talk of steak frîtes, charcuterie and lapin à la moutarde (steak and fries, French cold cuts, rabbit in mustard sauce).
Any day, just steps from Eataly, is Rochambeau a French spot that like any fab and well thought out outfit can transform from day to night seamlessly. It begins the day as a chic café and come dusk becomes a swanky brasserie. I look forward to checking it out soon.
