Looking for a quality restaurant in the Broadway area of New York City? Perhaps with a touch of Paris? I recently experienced “Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon.” It is more than a touch of Paris. One would think they were on the Champs d’Elysee!

In the post after glow of our private screening of “Julie and Julia”, my honorary food, wine and hospitality society in which Julia Child was also a member, Les Dames d’Escoffier, www.ldny.org, celebrated with a French Fall Fete at the Brasserie Cognac on a perfect Indian Summer Day. Conversations while we enjoyed our baskets of warm gougeres and wine went to our own personal harvests of family, gardens, further education and travels. It was a time to reflect on the true riches of life and experience. One of the toasts claimed: “There will always be good food and wine and friends!”

    

How fortunate we are.

We had the pleasure to meet Chef Florian V. Hugo (yes, he is related to France’s greatest auteur Victor Hugo). Chef Hugo came from a family of poets, artists and intellectuals. He himself wanted to be a member of the diplomatic corps but found that he was more interested in the ceremonial dinners as part of negotiation and détente. He trained under Paul Bocuse & Alain Ducasse. What can be more artistic, poetic and challenging than running a true Brasserie in the heart of New York?

    

Le menu was comprised of all of my favorite French Comfort Foods:
Gougeres aux Deux Fromages
Terrine de Canard
Poulet Roti a la Broche
Tarte Tatin

As Julia would say: Bon Appetit!

Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon
Broadway & 55th St
(1740 Broadway - 212-757-3600)
www.cognacrestaurant.com

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom