The recent Dine In Brooklyn week afforded me the perfect occasion to try Le Petit Marché, a relative newcomer to North Brooklyn Heights—an area where only the strong survive. Nearly a year-and-a half old, this little Gallic bistro is the sort of place that allows me to boast that, for the money, Brooklyn offers better dining than does Manhattan.
Chef Mick Pirnick produces sumptuous dishes with flavors that harmonize on the palate.
My starter of escargot broiled with garlic herb butter was garlicky, nicely seasoned (though a little salty), fresh, and quintessentially French. Call me a traditionalist, but this classic preparation, served with a slice of toast, is preferable to more recent en croûte variations I've had.
As a main course, I chose the seared wild striped bass with Provençal dressing and spring vegetables. The flavors of the fish and vegetables blended well. Again, the ingredients were very fresh and well seasoned, except for some slight over-salting. (Mind you, I'm not shy about salt—I typically add it to everything.)
Last, I was torn between the Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée and the warm strawberry rhubarb crisp à la mode—I chose the latter. (All right, I’m not always a traditionalist.) Unlike most desserts of this sort, this one was not overly sweet and, equally important, served as a much-needed reminder of spring's arrival.
Le Petit Marché is a pleasant addition to this end of Henry Street. The tastefully decorated dining room with its exposed brick walls and tin ceiling befits the neighborhood. The welcoming husband-and-wife team of Daniella Silone and Igor Tsan offer their essential personal touch; the service is professional and courteous. One can really sense that they strive to please. This one’s a keeper.
Le Petit Marché
46 Henry Street (bet. Cranberry & Middagh Sts), Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
(718) 858-9605
By train: A,C to High Street or 2,3 to Clark Street
By bus: B25 to Cranberry Street;
From Manhattan: B51 to Cadman Plaza
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