Chez Lucienne Look for both traditional (beef bourguignonne) and bold (calf’s-foot croquettes) creations at Harlem’s newest French bistro, from Jerome Bougherdani and chef Matthew Tivy, both Daniel alums. 308 Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) between 125th and 126th Sts (212-289-5555)
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I hear you, alice. I have no idea if that “stringy white woman” lives in Tribeca, but she was from Belgium, clearly multilingual, and very friendly. The comments about not having “flavor” do not make any sense. I do not know Harlem132, but I cannot believe he would make such a dumb, ignorant comment in this day and age. Comments about being “not white enough” don’t help anything either. Josephine Baker would be disappointed.
I ate at Chez Lucienne recently, and it’s definitely a nice addition to the neighborhood. The food was good, very nice ambience, friendly staff and a great bartender. To the person who made the “stringy white woman” comments, please get a life. I am a european women who has lived in this neighborhood for 10 years and never felt like I looked out of place here – whatever that means. This is New York right? What a dumb concept, try to get out and travel this world a little more and perhaps you can shed some of your little-minded mentality.
Just visited this place for brunch… I have to say…. when you walk in it’s a bit off-putting. It looks too ‘fancy’ and the hard-t-read script font on the menu just reinforces that… until you look at the prices which are very reasonable. But I have to say.. it was GOOD.. and to have good service on top of a good price and good food is a welcome change in Harlem restaurants. Keep being told by the new places with quality food/service that you need to pay ‘downtown price for that’. I’m always like.. um.. you ain’t paying downtown rent!. This place… had he quality at a good recession-friendly and somewhat uptown friendly price. The place is still new, so there are kinks to be worked out.. but all in all, the price is right, the food and service are good… I am happy to see the new addition to the neighborhood.
Prior comments about diversity… there was a mix for both staff and patrons.
I will be back to this place… regularly… Sette Pani is going to have to step it up I think! I wish this place had opened over on the FDB side!
mmm.. kobe beef burger sounds good…. yum
Just came back from a delicious dinner at Chez Lucienne. It was a great turnout and I hope that people continue to patronize this place. The hostess and servers were attentive and pleasant. The Kobe beef burger tender and yummy. I would return in a heartbeat.
This restaurant is great. The food is excellent, reasonably priced, and with generous portions. They even had a high chair for my daughter. We need more places like this in the neighborhood.
I suggest that the neighborhood can handle diversity. If the restaurant has good food, good service, and good ambiance, I don’t care about the race of the server or where she lives. Really, that’s what you care about? Where she lives? Do you read what you are typing?
you guys are hilarious! I’m looking forward to trying out this new spot. I miss that pizza though, no joke. But this place looks exciting! So far more loving reviews than bad from the buzz. can’t wait to find out myself.
132nd needs to hit the hizzistory books.
I also disagree. I don’t think she was white enough.
Ha!
It was the Dutch not the Danes – who ran Haarlem
annoyed, look, the location is basically 125th St. & Lenox Ave. Any business of any kind at that location is expected to have some “flavor” in the host and or face representing the business. Has the cradle of Black culture in America been diluted to this measure? To where you can go to ground zero Harlem, 125th & Lenox, and the host of the restaurant is a Aryan appearing White woman? Blond & Blue eyes and void of any sense of flavor whatsoever? She or he need not be Black, just exude some flavor of some kind. A fly Peruvian chick, a dope Vietnamese, a chic Israeli babe, this is Harlem. Oh…my bad, I get it. It’s all part of the “taking back of Harlem” by the White man, right? Taking it back to when the Danish ran Haarlem, right?
I stopped in last night to look around and ask some questions. haven’t eaten there yet. but I spoke to two waiters and one was black and one was French. I don’t know if the black woman was from Harlem, but there certainly was a diverse vibe from the whole staff. I’m not sure what you saw when you walked by, but perhaps if you go inside, you might get a better idea of the reality of the situation.
I agree about the big windows though. We all know there are some real characters hanging around on that corner and I don’t know how id feel about having them stare at me while I’m eating.
On the other hand, it’s so close to the subway, really easy access for anyone who lives nearby. it’s literally on my way home!
The most amazing thing about it is that the old pizza oven hood is still in it’s place, but now it’s just part of the décor of the place. Makes for a fun game of “remember what was where when this was a pizza place” while you’re waiting for your food to arrive.
To Harlem132nd:
“Stringy White woman” and “A hip looking white person would even be Okay – but the White woman I saw looked out of place for 125th and Lenox.” are completely offensive statements.
Insert any other race for “white” and “Upper East Side” for “125th and Lenox” and everyone would be decrying the racist comments.
This is a classy restaurant, the service, food, ambience and value are a new standard for Harlem. The wait staff offer excellent service and are mostly french speaking and knowlegable about the menu and wine and the service is attentive without being intrusive. The decore is also terrific, noting minor alterations to the previous pizza joint but making for great effect with carefully placed lighting. The menu is to be expanded and I am told brunh to follow soon. Dine here and you soon feel like the West Village or Paris, or even the new Harlem.
I might take the girlfriend there on V day (Saturday), however I am not crazy about the location. Specifically, the huge big windows at street level are inappropriate for this type of dining. It appears to be chalenged to conjure a sense of intimacy, the place if brightly lit with lighting as well. Some nice coverage (curtains or whatever) would work wonders in making me feel I am in an intimate place when inside. Very weird to be in Harlem and see classic “Tribeca Betty” Stringy White woman waiting to seat you. There was no way this host lived in the nabe. The owners should consider this when hiring, making the place feel like locals are hosting. A hip looking white person would even be Okay – but the White woman I saw looked out of place for 125th and Lenox. From observation, the place need to rethink it’s look and feel for the diner. I am either going to go here on V day or to P. Di. Orio or whatever that place is on 5th and 117th with it’s recent expansion…