Eric Demarchelier’s self-naemd French bistro, Demarchelier, has been a fixture on the Upper East Side since 1992, drawing a loyal, local clientele for a quick bite, a romantic rendezvous, or a simple family meal. The decor is more bourgeois than bohemian, but the menu is exquisitely French.
Demarchelier, brother of famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, is an artist in his own right and showcases a rotating collection of his paintings.
The family-owned restaurant prides itself on its authentic French bistro faire, paired with a wide range of predominantly French wines.
Demarchelier describes the restaurant as “more bourgeois than bohemian,” but the menu includes an array of all natural, grass-fed, organic options brought directly from nearby farms.
Signature dishes include the Moules Mariniere Au Vin Blanc (mussels marinated in white whine), served in a cream-enriched broth.
Duck Confit is served over a hearty mix of tomato and tarragon scented flageolets. Sole Meuniere is floured and pan-fried in butter, accompanied by a grilled lemon half and wedges of boiled potato, tossed in a mix of butter and chives.
Demarchelier’s decadent dessert menu features Tarte Fine Au Pommes, a flaky apple tart filled with warm apples and served with fresh vanilla ice cream and Crepe Suzette, a classic French pancake drizzled with Grand Marnier.
On the weekends, diners can enjoy a classic French a la carte brunch. Dishes include Organic Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce served with a choice of ham or salmon; Pancakes served with maple syrup and a choice of blueberries and Steak Tartare with a side of pommes frites.
Demarchelier knows French food. He was born and raised in Normandy, France. Daughter Emily Demarchelier manages the restaurant, while Chef Marc Tagournet is in charge of creating their traditional menu selections.
Demarchelier’s artistic style encompasses figurative, geometric abstraction and abstract expressionism, as well as landscape and portrait painting. He began painting in the 1990s and has been rotating the art exhibited in the restaurant every year since.
The restaurant was first opened in 1978 and moved to its present location at 50 East 86th street, where the Demcarchellier’s have held court for 25 years. Anytime a neighborhood restaurant has that kind of staying power, it’s done everything right.
Demarchelier
50 East 86th Street
(Between Madison & Park Ave)
New York, NY 10028
For more information, visit Demcarchellier online.
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