Gascogne

Having lived in Chelsea for years now, I am always pleasantly surprised when I try something new here.  Last night it was Gascogne, a restaurant on 8th Ave, right in the heart of Chelsea.  I have walked by this place litterally thousands of times.  At night, when you looked in the windows, it looked like a bunch of people hanging out at a bar, and I never gave it a second thought. 

Then last night, I finally went there with friends, and guess what, there were a bunch of people hanging out at the bar, mostly speaking French.  And behind them, a lovely restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and what appears will be a beautiful outdoor area during the summer.

The food was French from top to bottom, and quite good.  The Aumôniéres d'Escargots were a delightful change from Escargot that is usually swimming in butter.  Not that I dislike that, either.  And my special, pheasant in a raspberry sauce was outstanding.  Of the three desserts we tried, I think the Crème Brûlée aux Arômes d’Aramis was my favorite, but the other two were not far behind.

So, if like me you have walked past Gascogne for years and never gone in, now is the time to stop and taste.

tags: gascogne  new york  new york city  restaurant  food  chelsea  french  dining  

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