Petite Boucherie — NYC Paula

Jan 19

Jan 19 Petite Boucherie

There are rules in NYC since COVID in regards to dining at restaurants. At present we have no indoor dining. If you do opt to dine outdoors you must order food if you are going to partake in alcohol. This means no more bellying up to a bar for a quick drink or happy hour. I understand and respect these rules. Last week I found myself running some errands in the West Village mid-afternoon. I had meetings throughout lunchtime so I did need to grab a bite to eat. Since my week was over I also wanted a celebratory drink. I didn’t want a huge meal since it was on the later side I would be eating dinner in a few hours so I needed to find a place where I could grab a small plate and perhaps something sweet. Enter Petite Boucherie.

A charcuterie plate is a perfect option if you are eating between meals, and honestly, charcuterie is perfect anytime.

Boucherie is a local chain of French restaurants in the city. Their other locations are in Midtown West, Union Square, and The Village. As the name suggests, Petite Boucherie is the smallest of their outposts. The outdoor space is so inviting, it practically called for me to sit there. Above and standing heaters surround you to help keep you toasty even on the chilliest of days. They have an outdoor speaker system and the soft sounds of Pink Martini, Pearl Django, Duo Gadjo, and other contemporary jazz artists who evoke the feel of Paris in the 1920s fill the air.

The La Vie En Rose cocktail is so inviting.

Their lunch menu has all of the classic French comfort food dishes you’d expect to see including Croque Monsieur, Salade Nicoise, and Ratatouille. If I had wanted a full lunch I would have gone for the Moules Frites. But since I was just there for a small nosh I opted for a small plate of cheese and charcuterie which was served with fresh fruit, honey, mustard, and walnuts. I also had a La Vie En Rose cocktail which was divine. It consists of vodka, lychee, sparkling rose, grapefruit juice, and is garnished with rosebuds. I know what I’m drinking again next time I visit. I did stay for dessert and on my server’s recommendation, I had the creme brulee, which is one of my all-time favorites.

As you may have guessed from some of my other recent restaurant recommendations I have a particular affinity for French cuisine. Petite Boucherie does not disappoint and I’ll be back soon to try lunch or dinner there.