Le Pโtit, a cozy French restaurant on Prospect Park West, caught my attention. Initially, I didnโt expect muchโitโs not exactly a foodie hotspot. But after reading glowing reviews and learning the owner is an authentic French chef, I knew I had to visit.
First Impressions
I decided to check out Le Pโtit with some friends on a chilly Sunday evening. The restaurant was quiet, which made for a relaxed atmosphere. As I glanced over the menu, I couldnโt help but notice the reasonable prices. The daily specials intrigued usโthough we were slightly disappointed to miss the beef cheek with red wine and risotto, only available on Saturdays. Nevertheless, we were ready to dig in.
The Appetizers
We started with the French onion soup and goat cheese tart. While Iโm usually hesitant with strong cheeses, the goat cheese tart was excellentโbalanced and flavorful. But the standout was the onion soup. It was, without a doubt, the best Iโve ever had. The balance of cheese, bread, and broth was perfectโfar surpassing other French spots Iโve tried.
Main Courses
Hanger Steak and Monkfish
Two of my friends ordered the hanger steak, cooked perfectly medium-rare, while another chose the monkfish special with wasabi mashed potatoes. The steak was juicy and full of flavor, while the monkfish was tender and paired beautifully with the creamy, slightly spicy potatoes. Both dishes were well-executed and generously portioned.
Coq au Vin
For my main course, I opted for the coq au vin, and it was phenomenal. The dish was everything I hoped forโtender chicken, smoky bacon, al dente pasta, and bold, comforting flavors. The richness of the red wine sauce elevated the dish to perfection. If youโre visiting in winter, this is the ultimate comfort food
.Desserts
We couldnโt leave without sampling the desserts. I chose the deconstructed crรจme brรปlรฉe with seasonal fruit, while others tried the classic crรจme brรปlรฉe, poached pear, and an apple dessert. My crรจme brรปlรฉe was a delightful surprise: blackberries topped with a crispy layer of burnt sugar, a cookie, and smooth vanilla custard. It was an inventive twist on a classic.The poached pear was another standoutโa lighter option but full of flavor. Itโs a dessert Iโd recommend if youโre looking for something less indulgent but equally satisfying.