Catch Hospitality Group Opens New Hotspot Cafe Charmant in West Village
Following the success of previous ventures, the team behind Corner Store and The Eighty Six unveils Cafe Charmant, a French-inspired brasserie drawing notable patrons.
The Corner Store team, part of Catch Hospitality Group and backed by Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, has opened its latest establishment, Cafe Charmant, on Bleecker Street in the West Village. This new venture follows a string of successful restaurants including Or’esh, The Eighty Six, and the Corner Store.
Cafe Charmant offers a "sun-kissed interpretation of the classic French brasserie" with a "seaside-driven point of view," according to the establishment. Executive Chef Jake Tyler Brodsky, who previously worked at Eleven Madison Park and spent seven years in the Cayman Islands, leads the kitchen. The menu incorporates influences from French, Italian, and other international cuisines.
The 70-seat restaurant is situated at the corner of West 10th Street. The design, by Rockwell Group, features velvet curtains and white linen-covered tables, creating an atmosphere intended to be both intimate and lively. Sound-absorbing materials have been utilized to maintain a comfortable noise level, allowing for conversation.
Since its opening, Cafe Charmant has attracted notable clientele, including musician Paul McCartney, chef Daniel Boulud, and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Appetizers and raw dishes are highlighted as particular strengths of the menu. The tuna "Charmant," featuring bluefin tuna belly with Nardello peppers, olives, and saffron aioli, is priced at $29.95. Another popular item is the king crab croque, which consists of crab meat encased in tramezzini bread, topped with Manchego cheese and Osetra caviar, available for $19.95 per piece. The crispy shrimp Polynesian, described as "Vietnam meets Capri," is made with baked shrimp tucked into a fried squash blossom and seasoned with Japanese spices and fennel pollen, costing $19.95. The curry duck pastel, featuring duck braised in Trinidad-style curry and wrapped in Brazilian-style turnovers, is served with tamarind chutney and priced at $12.95 each.
Main courses include steak frites, which can be ordered with strip or center-cut filet mignon. The filet mignon is priced at $59.95. The accompanying fries are described as salty and crunchy. Desserts include a chocolate mousse served tableside from a large goblet, accompanied by Chantilly cream, brown sugar, and other toppings.