Toqueville

We went to a new restaurant last night - Toqueville at Union Square. They call themselves "French-American", probably because they prepare typically American dishes with a French flair. The menu is very interesting and features local ingredients. They have an interesting website that has pictures of the appetizers and entrees. The room is attractive, uncluttered with good spacing between the tables for four or more. Tables along the side are reminiscent of the tight fit we find in Paris. However, my taste runs more to "cozy" with wood and leather. This is more "modern" with metal and glass.

I began with Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Peeky Toe Crab that was refreshing; although I thought a piece of crab meat would have been better than a clump of shredded meat. Chris loves Sardines so finding them on the menu was a good start. They were marinated and served with shaved Fennel--delicious and not at all salty.

We were both feeling "fowl" so the Squab with broccoli and Chanterelles and the Poularde (young spayed chicken hen), also with Chanterelles and pureed peas were a great choices! Taste was good, but the temperature not hot enough. Chris also did not enjoy the consistency of the pureed peas (a very personal taste). Our wine selection was a white Burgundy (a lovely Chassagne Monrachet). We enjoyed it so much that we tracked some down today to enjoy at home.

We try hard never to look at the dessert menu but this day, shared a homemade assortment of ice cream which included one made with Basil (unusual but very tasty). Espresso was good and in true French style, there was a small plate of chocolates and sweets.

All in all, I found the food was good but the menu was better. They need to put as much effort into preparation as they do in creating the menu and the web-site.

Tocqueville
1 E. 15th St.(bet. 5th Ave. & Union Sq. W.)
Manhattan, NY 10003
212-647-1515

Zagats says...
Dignified dining carries on at this understated, absolutely adult Union Square French-American where chef Marco Moreira's brilliant menu meets the highest standards; sure, you'll pay for it, but the calming ambiance and your-wish-is-their-command service more than justifies the high tabs; N.B. a recent move to larger digs puts its Decor score in question.