M.M. Cloutier
| Special to Palm Beach Daily News
Although it made its debut in Palm Beach at what would seem an inopportune time — the midst of a pandemic — La Goulue prevailed and now turns 5 on Oct. 15.
Throughout, fealty to its roots as a classic French bistro (and sister to the longtime original La Goulue in New York City) hasn’t diminished.
The menu at the 138-seat bistro still includes such favorites as cheese souffle, a version of coquilles Saint-Jacques, duck confit, beef tournedos au poivre and profiteroles, among other items.
And still chorusing the ambiance? Soft leather banquettes, bistro tables, frosted glass, Majorelle chandeliers, fin-de-siècle wood paneling and French doors.
French natives at the helm range from the chief — renowned restaurateur-owner Jean Denoyer — to executive chef Gwen Le Pape.
Perhaps the only question a newcomer might be left asking is who or what is a Goulue? Hint: look for murals in the bathroom areas of the bistro that depict aspects of Le Moulin Rouge, a Paris cabaret that debuted in the 19th century.
What does Le Moulin Rouge have to do with La Goulue in Palm Beach?
Well, La Goulue. That was the stage name of a popular cancan dancer, Louise Weber, who was immortalized in Moulin Rouge drawings and posters by French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Weber died in her sixties more than a century ago, but her sobriquet still reverberates at La Goulue Palm Beach.
For more information or to make a reservation, call La Goulue at (561) 284-6292 or visit lagouluepalmbeach.com.
Dining and Cooking