Hot and trendy is always a kick.
Tried and true can also be equally satisfying.
Recently, we had a late night dinner at one of our favorite bistros.
Cafe Luxembourg has been our go to place in our upper west side ‘hood for years. It never fails to meet expectations.
In 1983 Cafe Luxembourg opened its doors. The 90 seat restaurant invokes the spirit of classic french dining in a relaxed, sophisticated environment.
The enormous vase of flowers tower over the red banquettes, adding warmth and color to the cozy, inviting dining room.
Before we came out as bicoastal, we were regulars, sitting at the bar with our two favorite bartenders. John was a latin teacher who bartended on the weekends. Brad is a dead ringer for Keith Urban except he rocked instead of being a little bit country.
Kyle was the handsome, debonair host who escaped the city to become a cheesemaker in Vermont.
Some of the staff is new, but just as accommodating.
We sat in a booth rather than the bar and experienced a different perspective. The brasserie offers a mix of classic french bistro fare and American favorites.
Cafe Luxembourg is always packed. We started with a glass of Chateau Poitevin 2010 ($14) from our favorite Medoc region in Bordeaux, France and toasted the good life, devoid of renovations. In NYC we only have to deal with flooding and oxycodone addicts.
I ordered the Luxemburger with a chevre schmear which is always juicy and delicious. It is served with crispy frites or a lovely mixed green salad with their traditional, appealing dressing ($18). Chevre, gruyere, roquefort, cheddar and bacon are available for an addition $2.
I am also a fan of the Country Salad with frisée, Fourme d’ambert cheese, bacon lardons, poached egg, croutons, bacon vinaigrette ($15) as well as the roasted Faroe Island salmon ($30…$21 at lunch). I do miss the classic chicken dish…consider reinstating, please.
David frequently orders the yellowfin tuna burger with wasabi mayonnaise and a choice of mixed greens or frites ($24).
His other go to meal is fish and chips, beer battered cod with minted peas, tartar sauce and french fries ($22).
Please note that there are numerous tempting gluten-free options on the menu.
A few familiar servers dressed in tradtional black and white uniforms with long white aprons did a welcoming drive by and we relaxed and enjoyed the hum of conversation.
Susie Essman who plays Susie Greene on, Curb Your Enthusiasm, strolled by and a few of the oldies, but goodies from the now defunct soap, All My Children, held court. Frequent Liam Neeson sightings have been recorded.
Before departing our server sang the praises of the apple pie with cranberry ice cream and caramel sauce ($12). It surpassed expectations.
For a lovely dining experience with food that never disappoints in a warm, convivial atmosphere, indulge in breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at Cafe Luxembourg.
Cafe Luxembourg 200 West 70th Street and Amsterdam Avenue NYC. Reservations recommended. Available on OpenTable. Open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mon-Tue, 8am-11pm; Wed-Fri, 8am-midnight; Sat, 9am-midnight; Sun, 9am-11pm. cafeluxembourg.com.
