Patrick

I'm sure this is a good way to find Howard. But others may join in as well. As Howard knows I've been to Chez Josephine twice and was disappointed both times with both the food and service, despite everyone else's raves. I love the atmosphere of the place and I've promised to give it another try. Since I'm seeing a show right across the street from there next Wednesday night -- have booked a 9:45 dinner at Chez Josephine. So, what do I order to avoid the disappointments I've had before with the nightly special of "seared rare" tuna that was totally cooked through, and the "rare" steak which was tough and well done? Any specialties? I really do want to like this restaurant.

And by the way, I just noted when doing a search on the subject someone referred to the decor as decadent, which Howard objected to. I'd agree with the original description in terms of decor, but say it in a Sally Bowles kind of way -- "de-vinely decadent!"

Owen_ONeill

I'd describe it as "sumptuously bordello-esque" {

I've eaten there only once - we had a choucrute and also a fish dish whose identity I don't recall. Both were good but didn't blow me away for the price. I felt it to be a bit too cozy - tables way too tight together and not enough leg room for a tall person but I do think it's worth a visit for those folks who have not been before.

I still contend that the French Culinary Institute's restaurant, L'Ecole (on Broadway or West Broadway)between Grand and Broome) is the best bargain in the city - fantastic food, a nice spacious room and great prices ($29.95 for the three course price fixe). Really worth a visit but not convenient or practical for pre-theater.

Patrick

Thanks for the tip about the Culinary Institute. As I've said on a couple other posts, I'll be in New York City for a month and am looking for some bargains -- I've already well surpassed by travel budget for the year (or several). And there will actually be some nights we won't be doing any theatre!!

But I will be doing Chez Josephine.

wantsomesun

Patrick,

There are so many wonderful restaurants in the city, and even a few good ones close to where you are going to be, pick up Zagat and find another. Why go now when likely you are going to be not all that impressed again.

I had one of the best salads I have ever had recently at of all places Fudruckers, lol, so you just never know.

You are very close to restaurant row and several wonderful Thai restaruants right in that area, as well.

Another option is to tell your waiter that you have been there 2 other times and were dissappointed, and what can you order that will make you come back.
That has worked for me a couple of times.

Have a great time, oh and what are you seeing?

Patrick

Back again. Actually our dinner at Chez Josephine is next Thursday. I just called and booked L'Ecole for Wednesday night, since we'll be seeing a matinee that day of Little Shop of Horrors -- had no plans for the evening. By the way, Owen, Zagat's says "FIVE courses for $ 29.95".

Patrick

Posting at same time:

Good idea of what to say to the waiter I guess, wantsomefun, or does that make me out to be a pain in the ass before we start? I hate to approach a meal or a waiter with the attitude of "prove to me it's good".

What are we seeing?: so far have booked the following all at discounts:

Big River
Little Shop of Horrors
Cupid & Psyche
The Thing About Men
Forbidden Broadway
Urinetown
Avenue Q
Retreat from Moscow
Wicked
Harlequin Studies
Strictly Academic
Take Me Out.

We've seen most of the biggies. Also have a couple other discount coupons printed out but will check at the box office as can't seem to get good seats on the web. Interestingly, I was about to give up on Little Shop which I had been trying for over a week, but the only seats that would come out were last row, rear mezzanine, or extreme back sides. Yesterday, I tried the matinee for next Wednesday (which I'd tried numerous times before) and came up with center seats in the 3rd row.

HowardR

Patrick,
First of all, I admire your sense of fair play in giving Chez Josephine another try.
As for my response to the "decadent" comment, I was only trying to make sure that people did not get the wrong impression of the place. Your comment does of "divinely decadent," ala Sally Bowles, is much better!
A general comment about Chez Josephine: You go there for the total experience--the food, the ambiance and, equally important, the presence of owner Jean-Claude!
Now for the food: I often order the chicken (the exact name of which skips my mind). Another favorite in the liver (but, of course, a lot of people don't like liver). My wife has the salmon.
I strongly recommend the soups. They are always great!
Patrick, going there are 9:45 should add to your enjoyment, as it's after the pre-theater rush and before the after-theater crowd. Thus, you should get excellent service.....and a lot of attention from Jean-Claude!

Patrick

I knew you'd find this post quickly, Howard! Thanks. Actually since liver and chicken are two of my favorites, I'll be fine. I looked at their web menu, which of course may change, but they list an "Elvira's down home chicken with sweet potato fries and red pepper cornbread" which sounds wonderful. Is that the chicken, or another one?

By the way, both times before were also late -- actually even later -- this will be a short show. I'm not sure that we ever met or even saw Jean-Claud. Maybe that was our problem.

Leona

We had dinner there and enjoyed it very much.

But if we did not, we would certainly not return two more times! Why are you?

djkbooks

Here's another fan of the Calves Liver (with pommes puree) at Chez Josephine! Be careful, though, not to take a forkfull of the (hot) mustard served on the size (it's dark in there!).

The asparagus and mushroom appetizer is awesome, too.

Patrick

Sounds like a good question. But I have had numerous friends rave -- and have been listening to Howard (and others) rave about it here for ages. I'm willing to pass off our experiences as being out of the norm. As I said -- I love the atmosphere, the general ambiance, and the music. I want to like this place and am willing to accept that we just happened to have a bad server and happened to have an off night in the kitchen. The last previous visit had to be at least three or four years ago anyway, so things can change. And since we're seeing a show right across the street it just seemed like a good opportunity to give it another try. If off again, I can assure you it will be our last though.

Leona

Good attitude!

HowardR

Elvira's chicken is it! (How could a loyal Fodorite like me forget that name!)
You would have remembered Jean-Claude. He wrote the textbook on maitre d' charm!
(I must admit that part of our joy in dining there is that Jean-Claude always comes by to chat with us, sometimes even sitting at our table for a little while.)

Scarlett

Howard (and Patrick)
Whenever I take Pup to the vet, I get bite by bite reviews of what they had at Chez Josephine! And the vet said that he always takes out of town guests, because they always get a kick out of Jean-Claudes stopping by the table and his effusiveness~