Who’s behind it: Chez Fifi is a new French restaurant from brothers David and Joshua Foulquier, both partners in the We All Gotta Eat group and Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner Sushi Noz on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
“The inspiration behind Chez Fifi comes from the incredible experiences my brother David and I had growing up with our mother, Fifi,” Joshua Foulquier told Wine Spectator via email, adding that the restaurant is just a block from his mother’s longtime home. “She was the epitome of hospitality—always welcoming friends and family into our home and making them feel like they were part of our family.”
When it opened: December 2024
What’s on the wine list: Sommelier Tira Johnson oversees a wine program of more than 1,000 labels, with primary focuses on France and Spain. This includes an extensive collection of about 90 Champagnes from houses such as Chartogne-Taillet and Jacques Selosse—several pages are devoted to grower Champagnes—as well as a few bubblies from Spain, Jura and farther afield.
[article-img-container][src=2025-01/restaurant-news-chez-fifi-nyc-tuna-010925_1600.jpg] [credit= (Connor Cowden)] [alt= Bluefin tuna au citron with osetra caviar from Chez Fifi in New York City][end: article-img-container]Diners can expect bottles from leading wineries across Alsace, Burgundy (one of the list’s main strengths), the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, Galicia, Andalucia, Rioja and beyond. Names familiar to wine lovers include R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, Marqués de Murrieta, Billaud-Simon, Chandon de Briailles and many more.
The program also features a wide selection of California wines, including an impressive collection of Kistler labels across multiple vintages, as well as Oregon Pinot Noirs, Brunellos and Barolos. There are notable selections of dessert wines (including 10 vintages of Château d’Yquem back to 1962) and large-format bottles.
“We would love to host wine-focused dinners and events in the near future!” said Johnson. “We have two floors, which gives us more flexibility for private events … We want guests to explore our Champagne list, which we will continue to grow.”
The culinary approach: French and Basque influences show through on the menu from executive chef Zack Zeidman (formerly of acclaimed downtown Manhattan restaurants Estela and Café Altro Paradiso). “[The menu] blends French-inspired dishes focused on bold, beautiful, vibrant presentations,” said Zeidman. “Think of it as elevated comfort food—dishes that are meant to be shared, with a focus on traditional techniques.” Expect dishes like a foie gras terrine, an omelet with black truffles, escargots à la Bourguignonne, a ribeye côte de boeuf and txangurro (a “deviled baked crab” traditional to Basque cuisine). Desserts include chocolate mousse, crème brûlée and baba au rhum with poached pear.
The design: Sweden-based Joyn Architectural Design Studio gave the 40-seat restaurant an “intimate” feel. Inspired by Paris, the restaurant is spread across two floors of a townhouse: The first floor features banquette seating, flashes of blue, mirrors and mahogany paneling; the second, which features high ceilings and chandeliers, is home to Salon di Fifi à l’Étage, a 28-seat space where guests can enjoy cocktails and smaller plates surrounded by works from the Foulquiers’ art collection (including pieces from Joan Miró, Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso). “[It] has a more intimate, refined atmosphere with a curated selection of dishes that are a bit tighter, showcasing the best of what’s offered downstairs,” said Joshua.
The neighborhood: Located on East 74th Street near Lexington Avenue, on the Upper East Side’s Lenox Hill, Chez Fifi isn’t far from Award of Excellence winner BLT…
Source : https://www.winespectator.com/articles/restaurant-news-chez-fifi-catch-dallas
