THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rue Franklin

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rue Franklin Restaurant Review:

Despite the trend toward chic and hip eateries, there are some restaurants that retain a timeless appeal, offering a pleasant diversion from what has become the norm. Rue Franklin, reminiscent of a charming, sophisticated Parisian bistro, is just such a place. Its creative menu changes with the seasons but its French accent remains constant no matter the time of year. Starters might include a Provençal vegetable terrine served with basil oil or duck foie gras torchon accompanied by Sauternes gelée, leek salad, and toasted brioche. Entrées range from sole paupiettes with sea scallop sausage served in a light and flavorful tomato cream with white beans and thyme to Arctic char served in an orange-pernod sauce with angel hair cake and bok choy. A three-course prix-fixe menu is offered Tuesday through Thursday. Changing weekly, the menu might include paper-thin slices of raw tuna served with zippy yet creamy wasabi mayonnaise, ginger and a seasonal vegetable salad or fresh morels stuffed with a light chicken mousse, fiddleheads and smooth Madeira cream. Portion sizes ensure room remains for dessert. The poached meringue floating atop a crème anglaise drizzled with caramel and topped with toasted almonds is sweet and satisfying. Service is gracious and unpretentious---consistent with the understated décor.