The publicist invited us to put The Paris Cafe on our radar and come dine as their guests at the reimagined Manhattan landmark (since 1873) at South Street Seaport, with a menu that brings Paris straight to the plate, showcasing dishes that blend timeless French brasserie traditions with a fresh, modern eye.

After that invitation, I thought I’d go traditional French in my ordering, starting with a Kir Royal with Champagne Lallier with creme de cassis, a traditional cocktail. My dining partner tried the happy-hour Savory spritz ($12), made with dry vermouth, cappelletti, and sparkling wine. Since we arrived between 5 and 7 pm, we added happy-hour Gougères ($1 each) and warm Gruyère cheese puffs.

After listening to the specials and noting the pate, we asked Tony, our fabulous server, to ask the chef whether we should try the special or the menu-listed house-made Foie Gras Terrine ($20), served with grilled baguette and seasonal jam.

I went classical, adding French Escargot Burgundy ($28), snails baked in green garlic-parsley butter, served with their snail tongs—made extra famous when Julia Roberts tried to use them in Pretty Woman when the snail shell went flying across the dining room and was caught by the waiter. Memorable scene as she said “slippery little sucker” as a quick-thinking waiter caught it, reassuring her that it happens all the time.

For my main, I had the classic NY Strip Steak Aux Poivre ($52) in a peppercorn cream sauce along with Frites. My dining partner tried the Poulet Rôti ($38) served with pommes purée, preserved mushrooms & natural jus.

We had heard about La Révolution, a dramatic three-tier dessert tower filled with Pastry Chef Emma Scanlon’s perfected pastries and treats, but we were too full to even try it. We shared the pear clafouti.

If you’re visiting the seaport, I recommend stopping by the Paris Cafe.

Paris Cafe
South Street Seaport
119 South Street, 119 Peck Slip
New York, NY 10038
646) 386-7038
pariscafenyc.com