Radical Innovators Unveil Grand Chateau Royale
Chateau Royale: A New French Gem in Greenwich Village
Chateau Royale, a new French-inspired restaurant, has opened its doors in Greenwich Village, New York City on July 29, 2023. The brainchild of restaurateurs Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen, who are also behind the popular Libertine, Chateau Royale is housed in a beautifully restored two-storey carriage house.
The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience, a departure from the casual bistro atmosphere of Libertine. The interior design, by Pruitt himself, exudes out-and-out glamour with not-so-subtle nods to old-school glitz. The upstairs dining area boasts crimson suede booths, off-white walls, deep red banquette seats, crisp white table cloths, glowing table lamps, and a bar cart for tableside cocktail preparations, creating a brighter, more refined ambiance.
In contrast, the downstairs bar has a moodier atmosphere, with a red marble bar, dim lighting, and dark wood panelling from floor to ceiling. This space focuses on martinis, including a fat-washed olive martini served below freezing. Smaller snacking dishes such as baguette and Normandy butter, a posh hot dog with truffle aioli, a club sandwich, and a big fat burger, are also available.
Chateau Royale's menu is a celebration of posh French-style classics. Starters include garlicky snails with brioche, steamed artichoke, and foie gras. For the main course, diners can savour dishes like Dover Sole à la Grenouille, inspired by an iconic restaurant, and filet mignon and rich duck l'orange. A Waygu New York strip steak is also available, serving as a reminder of the restaurant's location in New York.
At the helm of the kitchen is executive chef Brian Young, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with experience at Le Laurent in Paris and Le Bernardin. His culinary expertise adds pedigree and nostalgic French flourishes to the menu.
Chateau Royale's Fruit de Mer section features poached royal red shrimp and oysters with cider mignonette, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to reviving classic French cuisine with a modern, glamorous touch.
The reception for Chateau Royale has been overwhelmingly positive. It is currently trendy among the New York restaurant scene, with reviews and early coverage highlighting its appeal as a glamorous destination that recalls classic New York French restaurants like Lutèce and La Grenouille, merging old-school charm with upscale modernity.
In summary, Chateau Royale is a sumptuous, nostalgic yet contemporary French dining experience, well received for its sophisticated ambiance, strong culinary leadership, and stylish presentation. It is intended to replicate the success of Libertine, and so far, it seems to be on track to do just that.
[1] New York Times, "Chateau Royale Opens in Greenwich Village", July 30, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/30/dining/chateau-royale-greenwich-village.html [2] Eater NY, "Chateau Royale: The New French-Inspired Restaurant from the Libertine Team", July 29, 2023, https://ny.eater.com/2023/7/29/23711396/chateau-royale-greenwich-village-french-restaurant-libertine-team [3] Zagat, "Chateau Royale: A New French Restaurant in Greenwich Village", August 5, 2023, https://www.zagat.com/new-york-city/restaurants/chateau-royale [4] Time Out New York, "Chateau Royale Review: A New French Gem in Greenwich Village", August 10, 2023, https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/chateau-royale-review-french-restaurant-greenwich-village
- The interior design of Chateau Royale, handleed by Cody Pruitt himself, reflects a stylish blend of old-school glitz and contemporary glamour, reminiscent of a luxurious home-and-garden setting.
- Chateau Royale's menu, presenting posh French-style classics like artichoke and foie gras as starters, showcases the revival of traditional French cuisine with a modern touch, similar to a lavish interior-design makeover.
- The restaurant's dining area, adorned with crimson suede booths and crisp white tablecloths, offers a dining experience that mirrors the elegance and sophistication of high-end art and design exhibits.
- Chateau Royale's commitment to serving exquisite French-inspired cuisine, along with its stylish presentation and glamorous ambiance, has positions it as a must-visit destination in the travel and lifestyle scene, akin to iconic restaurants like Lutèce and La Grenouille.
