Quenelle / Photo courtesy of Quenelle
Any restaurant that opens in the former Rue Franklin in downtown Buffalo will be compared to the old French fine-dining restaurant. No, it isn’t fair, not even for the short-lived crab boil spot. Au revoir Monsieur Crabman.
But it looks like the latest effort is going about it the right way.
Quenelle is a new French-inspired restaurant that dispenses with the fine dining approach that reigned supreme in the 20th century and comes at French food with a more informal and modern vibe.
Co-owner Rachel Herman-Gross says the more casual approach at Quenelle is in keeping with aspects of modern French dining culture. It’s also probably more relatable to the average person in Western New York.
“The French café culture is pretty casual, and when we saw it when we were in France, it dispelled the myth in our mind that French food culture means fine dining, stuffy and maybe not welcoming,” Rachel says.
The idea of a welcoming French restaurant sounds appealing, but what if you aren’t really familiar with French food? What if your knowledge of French food consists of Champagne and escargot? A quick scan of the opening menu reveals a lot of dishes you should know: beef bourguignon ($38), French onion soup ($14), and, yes, escargot ($14).
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
At the bar, wines representing the most popular regions in France are available by the glass and the bottle. There’s also a large list of cocktails featuring seasonal ingredients.
Co-owner Leacel Hillenbrand says her staff is fully trained to help people with a limited knowledge French food and make sure they order dishes that suit their tastes.
“The whole concept from the menu to the bar to the service is very approachable, and everyone on staff will have the knowledge to lead the journey for people who aren’t quite familiar with French food,” she says.
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
Quenelle / Photo x Step Out Buffalo
While “The Rue” was known for its white linens and dark wood, the décor at Quenelle is much more modern and airier. It gives the impression of a more feminine space as well. Rachel says that wasn’t intentional, but she admits that the all-female leadership team at Quenelle likely translates to the overall experience.
“I think the aesthetic of the restaurant is quite feminine, in terms of our design choices,” she says. “But being women-owned had nothing to do with our hiring or hiring a woman chef. Obviously, it will lend a certain dynamic to the restaurant.”
“We’re really just trying to create a space that’s welcoming and romantic,” she adds.
Opening Hours (subject to change): Dinner service Thursday to Monday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Late night menu (except Sunday) 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., Bar closes 2 a.m.
Full Service
Quenelle
341 Franklin St. Buffalo, NY 14202 • $$$$$
Buffalo
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