Friend wants to plan an "all French day" (not actually what that means) in NYC soon. Thought I'd at least try to find a neighborhood--open to any area--bistro for lunch. More provincial than gourmet. Any suggestions?

Two French restaurants we really liked for dinner last November:

Napoléon, an authentic bistro with a long history in NYC. You must telephone for reservations, and it's well worth the effort.

The other is Jubilee, which specializes in Mussels.

For lunch we enjoyed our meal at Le Bateau Ivre, a wine bar with good food and an excellent variety of French wines.

On another trip we ate several times at Nice Matin, adjacent to the Hotel Lucerne; it's on the Upper West Side.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these.

If you want something with a nod to the Mediterranean, I recommend Boulud Sud.

Make that Chez Napoléon.

We had a terrific meal at Chez Napoléon. I'll second the recommendation.

Take a look at Lucien in the East Village.

I Third Chez Napoleon; all French staff & cuisine...very small resto.

I like Nice Matin, also.