Tomorrow evening, restaurateur Georges Forgeois—Jules, Bar Tabac, et al.—opens La Gauloise, a cozy little bistro that was formerly a separate dining room of his other West Village eatery Clarkson. Where the Clarkson is big, bold and American—with an emphasis on an enormous U-shaped bar—La Gauloise is a sweet, 40-seat space stocked with antiques from foraging expeditions at the Braderie de Lille flea market in France near the Belgian border. Yes, that's an old foosball table next to the charming little bar! It's functioning and ready to be played once it settles into its outdoor home this summer.
"Thighs of Nymphs" (aka - Frog's Legs)
Though joined by a communal kitchen, the two eateries serve completely different menus. Classic French dishes like Escargots ($15) with puff pastry, Trout Rilettes ($14) with baguette and Frisee aux Lardons ($12) populate the appetizer list, plus a selection of Fromage et Charcuterie with both local and imported cheeses and meats. Entrees include Moules Frites ($18), Steak Frites ($26) and Roasted Magret Duck Breast ($24).
The charmingly-named "Thighs of Nymphs" are actually frogs legs, renamed by renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier at the turn of the 20th century. The versions here are served "à la Bourguignonne" with garlic butter and a parsley puree.
2 Clarkson Street, West Village, 212-675-5535; website
