Metro Marché
This restaurant is closed!
Photo: Cititour.com
Contact Info:
Address: 625 8th Ave (inside Port Authority)
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10036
map: View the Map
Phone: (212) 239-1010
Website: http://www.metromarche.com/
Food Info:
Cuisine:
French (Brasserie)
Cititour Review:
Times Square is full of restaurants, but there aren't many that I would actually consider fine dining. So what I'm about to say may come as a bit of a shock. Got to the Port Authority for a fabulous French meal! Yes, the scent of homeless people has been replaced by wisps of garlic and freshly grilled steaks in the air. That is what we found at Metro Marche, a moderately priced French brasserie located near the 41st Street entrance of the Port Authority on 8th Avenue.The street level cafe caters to a takeout crowd looking for a croissant and maybe a cafe latte, but walk toward the back and you'll find a formal dining room with a full bar, leather banquettes and buckets of champagne on display. And a staff that aims to please. As we stood by waiting to be seated, not one, but three people came by to see if we needed assistance, including Allen, the manager, who pampered customers as if they were in a four star restaurant, serving as greeter, sommelier and waiter as needed. That four-star treatment extended to everyone from travelers with luggage in tow, to a family with a four-year old in tow, and a lovely French couple seated nearby. It was truly a wonderful experience. In fact, I was starting imagine that maybe I actually was in France. The only thing missing was Edith Piaf singing "La vie en rose," and I highly recommend that French music be added.
We started with "The Metro," a cocktail made with zygo energy vodka, mango puree, pomegranate juice with a spritz of fresh lime juice. But you could just as easily pick from the extensive wine list. We counted more than 60 whites, and even more reds. Most reasonably priced at under $30 to just over $60 per bottle.
There are fresh oysters and clams to start with, or maybe a bowl of French onion soup. I opted for the crispy shrimp with a spicy sirachi aioli for dipping. The batter had a nice crunch and the shrimps were plump and juicy. There are three types of mussels on the menu, including the Mussels Marineire, served in a white wine broth with leeks and garlic that smelled delicious, and the French couple at the next table was thoroughly enjoying. I ordered steak frites, which took a bit longer to arrive. Out came a complimentary drink to help me through the delay. Classy! When my steak did arrive, it was perfectly prepared medium rare as ordered with a bounty of fresh cut frites. Also on the menu, boneless short ribs, free range roasted chicken and wild mushroom ravioli. While most entrees are in the $15-$20 range, sandwiches, including a 10 oz burger on a brioche roll, can be had for under $13. There’s also a nice assortment of healthy looking salads.
Too stuffed for dessert, which included a chocolate and vanilla mousse, I opted for a simple cup espresso. It arrived in a heated cup with a nice head of foam. Once again care was given to the little details. In the end, my dinner at Metro Marche with two drinks (including the freeby) came in at $40. Now that my friends is magnifique!
Review By: Sam Sayegh
Location:
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