A selection of dishes from a Chérie pop-up at Local 188 in December, including steak frites (front). Chérie is opening this spring on Congress Street. (Courtesy of Chérie)
A local couple is turning their French-influenced pop-up series into a brick-and-mortar bistro this spring on Congress Street.
Chérie will launch at 249 Congress St., the former home of pizzeria Quanto Basta. Co-owners and chefs Melody Medina and Quinn Williams hosted a series of Chérie pop-ups in Greater Portland starting last August at venues like Hunt + Alpine, Local 188 and South Portland’s Lambs.
“I thought our concept would do well here, because there’s nothing like it,” said Williams, who expects to launch by early May.
“Everyone’s been telling us since Petite Jacqueline closed down there really hasn’t been a French bistro,” Medina added.
Named for Williams’ late mother, Chérie will showcase simple and casually prepared bistro classics like steak frites, roast chicken, sole meunière, escargot, and leeks vinaigrette, along with housemade charcuterie, fresh-baked baguettes, and regional treats like Alsatian tarte flambée and Nice-style socca. Williams said they’ll also offer some fresh pasta dishes.
Medina and Williams came to Portland from Brooklyn in 2024 to help in the kitchen at Cantina Calafia, co-owned by Medina’s cousin, Dominique Gonzalez. The couple, who are also life partners, met while working at acclaimed Manhattan French bistro Frenchette. She helped launch the bistro’s bakery program, and he helped open its sister restaurant, Le Rock.
“We’ve decided to take a chance coming here, and we fell in love with Portland, because it’s such a lovely place,” Medina said.
Chérie will have about 30 seats inside, and another 20 seats on the back patio in season. The restaurant will be open Thursday, Sunday and Monday from 5-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. The owners aim to add brunch and lunch service in the summer.
Dining and Cooking