THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Zucco: Le French Diner

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Zucco: Le French Diner Restaurant Review:

Zucco, the once chef-owner of this improbably diminutive French eatery on the Lower East Side, may have passed on, but the restaurant still pumps out decent French fare. With three tiny tables and a half-dozen stools at the bar which look over the kitchen, a wait is sometimes inevitable. From spicy sausages served with well-done fries or creamy mashed potatoes to juicy burgers (topped with an egg, à la croque madame) to Gallic classics steak frites and savory escargots, the kitchen isn't trying to imitate Ducasse as much as it is hoping patrons will leave with a feeling that they'll want to come back. Be sure to try one of the salads, including diced duck, foie gras, walnuts and mesclun; or the simple tomato, potato, red pepper, string beans, olives, boiled egg, ham and Gruyère. The mussels with saffron soup is also quite popular, as are the meatier main dishes like a grilled lamb chop with rosemary, served with fries and ratatouille.