I have decided to forego traveling for the next couple of years and buy a house instead. I hope to satisfy my cravings for french culture here in my home state of New York (New York City to be exact). Do any of the New York Fodorites have suggestions where a girl can go to get a French fix (i.e., cafes or bistros with oodles of french ambiance, french music, etc.)? All suggestions are greatly welcomed!

There is a Fauchon on Park Avenue which should help.

I'm looking for the same type of places, especially places that play french music. Anybody out there?

Try Les Deux Gamine on Waverly and Christopher streets - smoke, the best onion soup ever, and you can sit forever.

Claude's bakery on West 4th Street in the West Village (betw/ 6th and 7th Ave--great croissants and pain au chocolate, not so great coffee); Cafe Bruxelles (Belgium), again in the west village; there's a French Bistro (haven't been there in a while) around 50th St. west of 7th Avenue called Tout Va Bien; the newer trendy upscale Balthazar in Soho (there's a smaller bakery run by the restaurant that's terrific, to-go only); go a couple of blocks east on the same street as Balthazar and on the north side of the street there's another small French cafe, can't remember the name. I'm sure there are a million more places, this is off the top of my head. Enjoy!

Sally, why don't you take a long weekend in Montreal? It's very French, very safe, very inexpensive, and not that far!

hope a greyhound for Quebec City and gaspe penninsula.

Wow, what a great suggegstion. I know I'm stretching here but does anyone have the same type of information for Chicago?

Try Pastis in the meatpacking district. Just like a real French bistro.

not to insult but wouldn’t German, Polish and the like restaurants/shops be the forte of Chicago. We (NYC) are pretty renowned for all things French in particular, and Italian to a slightly lesser degree. I think this is why this thread is getting such a poke.

Back to NYC, I like wondering around 17th century french rooms at the Met Museum. If paintings are your fancy check out the impressionist collection on the second floor.

toxx, <BR> <BR>No insult taken; I did not realize that about NY City. I've only been there once, long ago to see the debut of Cats. Chicago is very heavy on Italian as well (I'm very grateful). As I'd said, just stretching. Thanks. <BR> <BR>

Hi Sally! I agree, go to Quebec, but if you need a french fix right away, this week, La Bonne Soupe is holding its annual Tour de France. Tonight, it's Le Lyonnais and tomorrow it's La Provence. Check it out at www.labonnesoupe.com It's pretty inexpensive, and the owners/people who work there are French. They also have live French-caberet live musice on Tuesday nights, no cover charge (complete with accordion). Good luck!

I think it would be interesting for European posters if you make a separate thread discussing the ethnic diversities of Chicago. I have never been and would never guess there was authentic Italian there. Also you might get some feed back with a European perspective.

Mariarosa: Le Bonne Soupe sounds exactly what I am looking for. <BR> <BR>Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions.

Try the French Institute/Alliance Française for their programs, lectures and the like.

Les Halles on Park Avenue South and 28th St. has excellent bistro food. Check out Zagat's listings of French restaurants/bistros etc. There's a very large group of Francophiles in NYC who support many French restos--large and small, cheap and expensive. Ouest has good bistro food and is on the Upper West Side--83ish/Broadway. Of course, you can't forget Payard's patisserie/cage on Lexington/73rd for really extraordinary patisserie (with prices to match)and treat yourself to dinner at Daniel's some evening--Oh la la!!! On the other hand, you can always buy an album by Charles Aznavour, pick up a baguette and some great reblochon from Zabar's, and a bottle of good burgundy and spend a delightful evening a la Francais chez vous!

There are a number of bistro -type experiences in Chicago -- among them Le Bouchon, Cyranao Bistrot and Petit Zinc [or le zinc -- I'll check the name later.] Also many Chicago retaurants have outside seating in the summer -- so you can watch the crazy local drivers -- *very* French I'd say

Another vote for La Bonne Soupe! I was just there this weekend and love to go there for an inexpensive lunch/dinner every time I'm in New York. They have a $13.95 fixed price menu for bread, salad, soup, and dessert that is always terrific (their onion soup is great). They also have a $20 fixed price menu for a more substantial meal, and also have very good fondue. The waitstaff is French, the atmosphere is very French (those red-and-white checked tablecloths), and the bread is fab.

Honey, try Le Zinc at 139 Duane Street. www.lezincnyc.com. It is open util 4 am. Say hi to Lee for me if you go.