Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy Speaks to The Excellence of French Cooking
Loulou, a warming yet sophisticated bistro and speakeasy, opened on Wednesday 4th of March, in the heart of Chelsea. Loulou, named and styled after the owner’s rescue dog, brings traditional French cooking in line with cosmopolitan, eye-catching cocktails and sleek city design. When struggling for a name and image perhaps all restaurateurs should turn their heads to their best friends.
Loulou’s on 8th and 19th. Photo: Victor Hugo
The brainchild of Mathias Van Leyden and Mino Habib, Loulou exemplifies Chelsea bistro; it exudes excellent maximisation of space, has a familiar and upbeat atmosphere and of course, delicious, wholesome food. Upon walking into Loulou’s, I feel New York; the bustling ambience, exposed brick and hanging plants mingle with mid-week catch ups, budding romances and cheers. Lots of cheers!
Interior of Loulou, Photo: Victor Hugo
The menu offers familiar comforts, cooked to perfection, from Pan-Fried Scallops to Duck Leg Confit. The Charred Octopus with White Bean Ragu was a personal favorite, especially when accompanied by a spicy tequila cocktail served in, quite literally, a bird glass. Other items on the menu include, Whole Grilled Branzino, Rib Eye for Two and Ratatouille, and Flatbreads, Charcuterie & Cheese Boards.
Pan-Fried Scallops. Photo: Victor Hugo
Executive Chef Jarett Brodie has spent years in the industry and this definitely shows. While perfecting his craft, Brodie has worked in the kitchens of some of NYC’s finest restaurants, including Jean-George’s Mercer Kitchen, Nios at The Muse Hotel and most recently Chef de Cuisine at The Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square. Brodie’s approach is minimalist in content but action-packed in flavor; choosing to highlight great products by letting the local and the seasonal steal the limelight.
Stunning Octopus, a treat for all the senses. Photo: Victor Hugo
Downstairs we come to the speakeasy, where novelty fun tumbles around this intimate, glitter-ball-filled space. The lower level speakeasy is accessible from the street through an antique coca-cola machine, which opens up to a simple black staircase and a solitary chandelier for guidance. It screams speakeasy and I am not disappointed, as cocktails, music and quirky art abounds.
Loulou’s feels established. They look like they have been doing this for years, and most probably will be. I felt at ease as a diner and a drinker, leaving with the distinct feeling that I would be coming back again.
