THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Neuf

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Neuf Restaurant Review:

Situated in the heart of the Italian Market, Joncarl Lachman’s cozy French and North African restaurant radiates warmth from its scarlet walls and wooden chandeliers. A bar anchors the back of the room, while simple paper-topped wood bistro tables glow with votive candles. Like Lachman’s Noord, the cooking projects confidence and new thinking while preserving important culinary traditions. Fennel three ways (roasted, confit and fresh with cashews and grapefruit) showcases the kitchen’s ingenuity, and the now-ubiquitous roasted cauliflower dish gets a smart update with charmoula spice and grape purée. Tajines, including the braised lamb shoulder, hum with layers of spice and invite accompanying grilled bread for dipping. Tender and rich spicy braised goat leg, meanwhile, will convert even the goat-averse diner. For dessert, the Arab-influenced Paris Brest is layered with rosewater Chantilly and makes a striking presentation. The wine list, while condensed, features a nice selection of rarely seen bottles from Spain, Lebanon and Morocco plus a few by-the-glass options on tap. House cocktails, like the Saz-Arak (rye, bitters, arak) and a small list of beers, including a Turkish pilsner, make the liquid refreshments as interesting as the food.