La Grenouille is the last remaining classic French restaurant in New York City -- once one of a group including Cote Basque, Le Pavillon, Lutece,
Charles is intelligent, dapper and extremely talented
In French, La Grenouille means frog - there are many incarnations of frogs in the restaurant
Here I am in the upstairs dining room, once an atelier for artists and writers, including the French author of the perennial favorite "The Little Prince," Antoine St.Exupery.
Charles's father, the founder of the restaurant, loved winter anemones -- they were often depicted in his paintings and used in arrangements for the restaurant.
One of Charles Masson's extraordinary bouquets: flowering branches of quince, chartreuse viburnum, nerines,
The bar: classic, French, and adorned always with massive flower arrangements.
My TV field producer Kim Miller got dolled up for her lunch stint at this wonderful restaurant.
Lisa Wagner, editorial director of television, also sat in as a guest at lunch while we taped our piece on the history of the restaurant.
Lisa ordered the calves' liver.
Kim ordered the quenelles de brochet -- delicate poached fish dumplings.
Gary Nardilla is our director and cameraman for field pieces; he should always win an Emmy for his artistic pieces.
These are the very best frogs' legs you will ever taste -- Provencal style.
An absolutely delicious salad of endive, walnuts, and Roquefort.
Homemade saucisson chaud served with French green lentils.
Kevin Sharkey had blanquette de veau, a traditional French veal stew.
I had my favorite: grilled dover sole with an extraordinary mustard sauce and haricots verts -- there is none better in New York City.
The dollop of mustard sauce is essential.
Desserts: classic, include grand marnier souffle.
Chocolate souffle.
Petits fours.
Ile flottant or, more correctly, oeufs a la neige with spun sugar.
Hi Martha. Thanks so much for sharing those wonderful pictures with us. I would love to go to that restaurant some time. That dover sole you had looked so yummy.
Posted by: Gloria Applegate | April 23, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I dine frequently at La Grenouille.It is by far the finest dining experience in NYC.Lunch is the very special time.And you should always allow 2 hrs to properly immerse yourself in the atmosphere and the food.I enjoy the Captains Frank and Jean Pierre.The absolute best in the City.If you are really adventurous ask the Captain you have to just bring what he recommends.Just let him know how many courses and you will be amazed.
In season the oysters are incredible.Bon Appetite.
Posted by: Chuck Strum | May 07, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Hi Martha,
I have been to La Grenouille and had an amazing experience. You mentioned on your show that there is a book about the flower arrangements. I was wondering where I would be able to find a copy.
Posted by: Allie Rosen | May 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Thanks for the blog on La Grenouille. Our friend Ronald Cahn creates the flower arrangements for the restaurant and they are truly spectacular!! Love it!!
Posted by: Mary Megan Wolfe | May 24, 2008 at 05:07 PM
oh thats great... by the way nice blog.....and very very interesting posts are here......
Posted by: Tax Liens | June 27, 2008 at 04:15 AM
La Grenouille hosted Conrad Black's infamous $ 42.000 birthday dinerparty for his wife, Barbara Amiel.The money appeared to be stolen from the shareholders.
It might make you realize that 'excessive' might be applicable to La Grenouille.
Posted by: coen sickinghe | June 27, 2008 at 04:33 AM