Le French @ Denver

Looking for something eat in DTC and I am all steak-out after three consecutive nights of steakhouses. Looking for something lighter and better.

When two French-Senegalese sisters with more than 30 years of cooking experience between them – including helming a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris – open a bistro in Belleview Station, you catch the next light-rail car to get there. Those women, Aminata and Rougui Dia, and that restaurant, Le French, have brought beaucoup gifts to the Mile High City.

Belleview station is a light rail station that serves a vibrant and energised walkable community located at the heart of southeast Denver. This is the primary station serving the Denver Technological Center from downtown Denver and the airport.

The chic eatery is open all day, so you can pop in for a croissant and café au lait in the morning or for a ham, butter, and Gruyère sandwich for lunch. At dinnertime, the high-end, African-influenced French dishes Chef Rougui honed during her Michelin years are on display.

Fromage

French and Colorado Cheeses, Fruit, Honey, Baguette

The baguette was amazing! These had to be the best baguettes I have ever eaten outside of France. There types of cheese were on this platter – (bottom, clockwise) a Colorado goat cheese, a local Stilton blue, a French brie and French Comte. Served with dried fruits, berries and honey. It was a very generous portion for an appetiser. We had to doggybag some of the baguette and cheese back to the hotel.

Saint Jacques

Sea-scallops, bacon, French Caribbean house aioli , pear

Next starter, pan-seared scallops accompanied by white beans, garlic and herbs toasted baguettes. The scallops were cooked perfectly, the white beans had been cooked with bacon fats, and the garlic bread was superbly crispy and aromatic. Couldn’t find where the pear is though.

Foie Gras Torchon

Fig Cognac, Balsamic, Pistachios

There’s nothing to fault about the foie gras terrine, perfectly salted and doused with a liberal amount of Cognac. The fig jam was also spiked with the alcohol and was slightly bitter. The thick toasts were suitable vessels to eat the rich, creamy duck liver mousse with. We cleaned up the plate in matter of minutes, it’s that good.

Les Betteraves

Roasted Beets, Burrata Emulsion, Pistou Vinaigrette, Arugula and Garlic Croutons

Whether red, yellow, Chioggia or white, coloured beets with their mild, slightly sweet and earthy flavour will add colour and texture to your dishes. Colourful beets served with arugula lettuce and Muscat grapes, dressed with mozzarella and pesto dressing. Perfect combination of savoury and sweet.

Souris D’agneau 7 Heures

Lamb Shank Braised 7 Hrs, North African Spice Mix, Red Wine, White Beans, Vegetables Provençal

Who can resist a lamb shank slow cooked for 7 hours in a red wine sauce until fork tender? And serve that delicious meat on a bed of stewed white beans and Provençal vegetables (garlic, onion, mushrooms, tomato, olive oil, and herbs)? Absolute delicious and plenty of meat for two to share after all those generous appetisers and salad.

Le French is a place that leaves one content but not necessarily impressed. The food is solid French and the portion American. On one hand it’s one of the best restaurants that I have tried in Denver, on the other hand one has to contend with a limited menu and similar tastes across several courses. Service was good, but not exactly fine dining. If the team can work out some kinks, the Senegalese influences and French technique may just come together to tell a story we’ll all want to hear — and taste. I will definitely be back again.

Le French Belleview Station DTC
4901 S Newport St, Denver, CO, United States, Colorado
Tel : +1 720-710-8963 (Reservations)

Visited Dec 2024