The Essential Upper East Side French Dining Experience 🇫🇷

Le Veau d'Or 🐂 Since 1937 One of New York's oldest traditional French restaurants, Le Veau d'Or was taken over and reopened last year by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr of Frenchette and Le Rock! 🎉 The atmosphere is quintessentially French and vintage. As soon as you step through the door, you feel like you've been transported to Paris. From the chandeliers and oil paintings to the old photographs on the walls and the classic table settings, the place exudes a sense of history. I even spotted Jimmy Fallon here! 👀 The menu is classic and extensive, with over ten appetizer options. The dishes are prepared in the most authentic French style—simple yet delicious. 🥩 🍽️ Pâté en Croute Their pâté en croute is exquisite. The liver pâté is rich and smooth, the pork is firm, and the aspic is delicate and soft. The pastry is thin and flaky, perfectly cut, and served with pickles and mustard for a tangy and refreshing contrast. 🥪 🐌 Les Escargots Provençale The escargots are tender and succulent, cooked in a garlic-herb butter sauce that's perfect for dipping bread. 🐌 ▹ Tripes à la Mode My second favorite appetizer is the tripe stew. The tripe is tender yet chewy, and the sauce is thick and flavorful, with a slightly sticky texture that's incredibly tasty. 🍖 🍒 Duck Magret aux Cerises No French meal is complete without duck! The duck skin is crispy and slightly caramelized, while the meat is juicy and tender. The cherry sauce is sweet and tangy, reminiscent of sweet and sour pork. 🍖 ▹ Poisson du Marché The fish of the day was skate wing. The buttery aroma was overwhelming when it arrived at the table. The fish was golden and crispy on the outside, with a rich flavor that didn't overpower the skate's natural taste. 🐟 ▹ Les Délices "Veau d'Or" A must-try for offal lovers—the thymus platter! It's a bit rich, so sharing is recommended. 🍖 🍊 Crêpes Suzette For dessert, besides the signature Île Flottante and Sabayon, their Grand Marnier crepes are highly recommended! The crepes are warm and soft, with a strong citrus aroma, complemented by the liquor and butter, creating a refreshing and uplifting experience. 🥞 The value here is exceptional. The $125 prix-fixe menu is a steal, leaving you completely satisfied. This classic French dining experience is simple, honest, and full of integrity—no fuss, just great food. I can't wait to come back and work my way through the entire menu! 🍽️ #NYCFood #NewYork #FrenchCuisine #HiddenGem #NYCFoodGuide #NYCLife #NYCExploration