Métisse

[oakapple]

Métisse is a French bistro located at 239 W. 105th St, just slightly east of Broadway. It is about 2 blocks from the 103rd St Station on the #1 line.

A friend and I ate at Métisse on Saturday evening, as we were already going to be in that part of town, and wanted to remain up there. I ordered breaded shrimps with a sweet dipping sauce to start, followed by calf's liver. My friend had cream of asparagus soup, followed by grilled sea bass. We were both satisfied, with the caveat that my friend found her soup a tad too salty.

I had never ordered calf's liver as an entree before, but I'm the adventurous type and was looking for an something new. It was indescribably beguiling, with a crispy exterior and that cool, squishy livery taste inside. The portion was shaped like a very large sausage. I don't know if that's how it's usually served, since I don't normally order this dish.

The restaurant was full without being over-crowded. We waited at the bar for about 20-25 minutes before being seated. Once seated, service was more than adequate. The ambient noise does not overwhelm the senses, as can happen at some bistros. There are two lovely outdoor tables on a porch below street level, and the inside is decorated tastefully. It's a suitable date place, in a neighborhood where one doesn't ordinarily think of looking.

Dinner for two ran to $72, including tax and tip. We did not have alcohol.

[Thomas Secor]

I have always liked Metisse, although I think reviews here have been decidedly mixed. Im pretty sure it was referenced in a thread a while back on the upper west side. I would link it if I knew how.

[slkinsey]

Some discussion of Métisse may be found here. It's never blown me away, but it's nice to have a reliable place in the 'hood.

[bergerka]

I've walked past Métisse after 6pm several times in the last week, and it hasn't been open - anyone know if it's still around? I'd be kind of sad to see it go. The escargots are good.

K

[emmapeel]

I'd be sorry to hear they closed also because I always found it charming and intimate, and I liked the Saucisse et saucisson. I've been worried that they wouldn't survive Henry's, Carne, but they did. Now with Picnic, and the newest, Cafe Le Soleille, (opening in Positively 104th Street's spot) I guess the competition is getting too difficult. Let's hope not.

Edited May 5, 2005 by emmapeel (log)

[bergerka]

Well, I stopped fretting long enough to call the restaurant (oh yeah...phones...duh). They're "closed for renovation" and will supposedly reopen next Monday! I'll sit here and bite my nails off till we see if it's true.

Ok, I'll METAPHORICALLY bite my nails off. If I REALLY did it, I'd have ugly fingernails and we cannot have that, now can we?

K

[emmapeel]

Great News! bergerka, I'm so glad you did that. If they do re-open, I hearby make a solomn promise to support them as much as I can, just to keep them around.

Edited May 4, 2005 by emmapeel (log)

[mikeyrad]

Has anyone been lately?