CHERI a french
bistro
231 Lenox Avenue at 121
Street
New York, New York
212-662-4374
First impressions are the best, they stick with you always,
and are hard to change. As we approached CHERI we felt a sense of Paris before
us. The front entrance to this beautiful brownstone was small and warm and
welcoming and a wonderful place to sit and chat and watch the world go bye. Then
we entered the restaurant and what a surprise, it was beautiful , every
appointment was meaningful and so Parisian, it was cozy and lovely, with
different small dining areas, and in the center was a huge impressive black baby
grand piano with a chandelier above it, and 2 high back chairs in front of a
fireplace, with an old movie playing. It brought you back to a different time
and era.
Then the shocker, a gorgeous huge glassed in green garden in
the back for a larger dining area, it was lovely with palms and ferns, and in
truth who would have thought this magical find was in Harlem..... More and more
of these wonders are arriving daily in Harlem.
The food was well prepared and the service was relaxed and not
at the usual NY pace, so it took some time getting used to this, but worth it
to transcend us to Paris for the night. Each dish was unique and very French
with a twist, I recommend you view the partial menu on the provided
link.
I loved the warm rolls, and interesting salad with smoked
salmon and chopped apples on the not your usual lettuces. The wines were great
as well.
There is live music each night, we happened upon 2 cabaret
singers, singing French songs that brought tears to our eyes, they are there
each Thursday night.
We met Alain, the owner, who is from Paris and lives in the
town home that incorporates this restaurant. He was so friendly and happy we
came, he said its was on purpose that his bistro was in his home, as its an
extension of how he feels about sharing Paris with New York and welcoming every
one to his home and kitchen . Some of the other staff were
also from France and one was from a beautiful island near France, Corsica, and
she brought her local charm with her.
This is a definite place to visit and get to know the place
and menu and the ambiance Alain has brought to Harlem from his beloved Paris,
where he has owned several known restaurants..
Hope to see you there
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