New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

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Le Midi brings French cuisine to Union Square

Edelawit Hussien for WSN

Le Midi Bar & Restaurant, a French bistro located only a block away from Union Square, officially opened its doors on Nov. 13, offering customers an assortment of French dishes.

Owner Andrew Song said inspiration for the restaurant came to him while traveling through the countryside of France.

Likewise, the bistro prides itself on providing the hearty, simplistic, homey dishes that draw diners to the cozy French countryside at an affordable price.

“Dining at Le Midi is better than grandma’s home cooking,” said Debbie Dickinson, the spokeswoman of Le Midi. “You will not find a restaurant like this in New York, [one] that truly resembles authentic French cuisine.”

The atmosphere reflects the simple and elegant food. The gold-embellished picture frames on the wall evoke a tenderness that is synonymous with the vintage films that play above the bar.

The restaurant offers a fixed-price lunch and dinner in addition to various traditional French dishes a la carte, like coq au vin and escargot, making the dining experience inexpensive and appealing.

The tapenade ($12.00), one of the many vegan dishes the restaurant offers, comes with a delicious roast pepper paste and eggplant-olive caviar spread alongside slices of bread.

“This restaurant is supreme French cuisine, and I heard the French onion soup is to die for,” said diner Cognac Wellerlane, TV host and fashion editor of Cognac’s Corner Magazine.

The French onion soup ($9.00) is one of Le Midi’s best dishes. Each serving consists of a slow-cooked veal broth covered in a delectable layer of cheese waiting to be broken, only to reveal caramelized onions at the bottom.

Coq au vin ($21.00), a staple of rustic French countryside cuisine, is made with only dark meat in Le Midi’s version. It is served with a simple yet elegant side of Yukon Gold potatoes and bacon.

“I like the goat cheese tart, and I like the desserts,” said Lauren Kirk, CAS freshman and hostess at Le Midi. “The sorbet and ice cream are all house-made.” Her personal favorite is the mango sorbet.

“I love France, and the countryside,” Song said, “especially that rustic, authentic food you get.”

The addition of Le Midi to the Union Square restaurant scene is a welcome one. It will surely grow to be a favorite among NYU students in the future.

Le Midi is located at 11 E. 13th St.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 19 print edition. Christina Chung is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].

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