Chez Josephine: Where Midtown Eats Meet Parisian Beats
By Heather Hall
The heartbeat of New York City is often felt strongest in its hidden restaurants, and nestled in Hell’s Kitchen is one that pulses with a particularly nostalgic rhythm: Chez Josephine. Now, picture walking straight from the steel and rush of Midtown NY into the warm embrace of Paris in the 1930s. Chez Josephine does just that, serving up a delectable blend of French-American cuisine amidst echoes of jazz-age joie-de-vivre.
But, one might ask, why the name Chez Josephine? The restaurant stands as a tribute to Josephine Baker, the famed African-American entertainer who captured the heart of Paris in the 1920s. With her larger-than-life persona, Baker danced her way into history with her iconic banana skirt and went on to champion civil rights, work for the French Resistance during World War II, and create her “Rainbow Tribe” – her adopted children who stood as a testament to her dream of multiracial unity.
Yet, Jean-Claude Baker, one of Josephine’s adoptive sons and the brains behind this establishment, brought more than just memories of her; he brought a slice of Paris reminiscent of the very clubs where the legendary Josephine performed. Even today, the atmosphere is electrified by live piano tunes that harken back to those golden days. And though you might come for the food, you’ll definitely stay for the music and memories.
The ambiance of Chez Josephine is a masterpiece in itself. Imagine walls draped in deep red velvet, chandeliers that shimmer with every light, and age-old portraits of Josephine Baker that transport you to another time. Whether you’re having a bite before a Broadway show or looking for an intimate spot in Hell’s Kitchen for a spirited meal, this is the place!
The menu, crafted with love and homage, speaks for itself. Start off with the velvety French Onion Soup and perhaps some Escargots à la Bourguignonne, a taste that many claim takes them straight to a Parisian street cafe. For main courses, why not pair the Black Angus Filet Mignon au Poivre with a side of crispy Pommes Frites?
And, for seafood lovers, the Lobster Cassoulet is a must-try, presenting a symphony of scallops, shrimp, and black beans in a delicate shellfish bouillon. Even if you come just for dessert after a night out, Chez Josephine has you covered. Dive into the decadently smooth La Délice Josephine, a flourless chocolate cake that’s worth every bite!
The key takeaway here is that Chez Josephine serves more than just food; it offers stories, memories, and an undeniable connection to an era defined by passion and art. So, the next time you’re wandering through NYC and find yourself longing for a bite of history paired perfectly with modern flair, West 42nd Street holds the key. Chez Josephine awaits, where every bite is a trip down memory lane, and every visit feels like coming home to a slice of Paris.
But don’t just take our word for it, though. Step into Chez Josephine and let the melodies, flavors, and stories sweep you off your feet. Because here, you don’t just eat – you embark on a journey through time and taste.
Chez Josephine
Website chezjosephinenyc.com