Brasserie Cognac Américain has settled into a gorgeous new corner location at 40th Street and Fifth Avenue, directly across from the New York Public Library.  This newly opened French bistro from Serafina Restaurant Group features Chef Michael Lomonaco—acclaimed American chef, restaurateur and television personality—leading the kitchen.

I was invited as their guest to sample the fare, starting with cocktails. My dining companion enjoyed a classic Hendrick’s gin martini, while I sipped the smoky, spicy and fizzy Napoleon’s Dynamite ($19), a blend of mezcal, jalapeño tequila and ginger beer.

We opted for the special French Restaurant Week menu ($60), a prix fixe that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. (Regular menu prices are included below for reference.)

The escargot bourguignonne ($24) was the standout of the evening. The snails were exceptionally tender, bathed in a parsley-garlic butter so irresistible we had to force ourselves to stop sopping up every last drop with the baguette points.

Their frisée aux lardons ($24)—curly endive and bacon in a warm mustard vinaigrette, topped with a soft-poached egg and, perhaps, too generous a portion of crunchy baguette croutons.

The steak frites ($39) featured sliced hanger steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare, in herbed butter and served with crisp French fries. The branzino provençal ($32) was equally satisfying, complemented by zucchini, summer squash and plum tomatoes.

We added a side of haricots verts ($12), not offered on the prix fixe, a simple but welcome addition.

Since dessert was included, we happily indulged in the maple crème brûlée alongside profiteroles stuffed with vanilla gelato and served with a pitcher of warm chocolate sauce for drizzling.

I highly recommend a visit.

Brasserie Cognac Américain
Bryant Park
51 5th Ave
New York, NY, 10016
212.470.5889