Le Fond prepares for its opening. (Photo: Le Fond/)
Jake Eberle says Le Fond, the restaurant he’ll open on Norman Avenue tomorrow is casual, like a bistro, but you won’t find the usual renditions of steak frites and coq au vin there.
Instead the menu might offer a rabbit terrine, braised shoulder ribs, and chicken ballotine, i.e. a breast stuffed with something seasonal, like mushroom Duxelles and creamed broccoli. Eberle, previously a chef de cuisine at the Lambs Club in midtown, has a thing for charcuterie, so expect patés — and there will always be a $14 burger and a couple of pasta options.
Entrees ($18 to $25) are driven by the “deep complex flavor” implied by the restaurant’s name — a reference to the French word for the stocks that make up sauces and also to the browned bits scraped from the bottom of the roasting pan.
During his eight years in New York, Eberle, who grew up in Maine, has lived in both Bushwick and now Williamsburg, and he’s excited to be biking to work in Greenpoint. “It’s obviously not undiscovered,” he noted, “but it’s less hectic than Williamsburg” — which was his first choice until he looked at the rents.
With tables made by his dad and art created by a friend, the dining room should be plenty chill as well, though it’ll be livened up by French wine and a Greenpoint Beer & Ale on tap.
Le Fond, 105 Norman Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner only; brunch coming soon.
Way too pricey for this area plus nothing vegetarian on the menu. He should go back to the lambs club.
The price is on par with many of the newer restaurants in Greenpoint. And the food is better. I was happily surprised to find this gem so clues to home!
We had an outstanding meal for our 10 year anniversary. My broccoli soup was to die for and my husband thoroughly enjoyed his mussels. We sampled the rabbit terrine which I was blown away by. It was smoky and perfectly balanced by mustard and crunchy hazelnuts. I could’ve eaten it all night long. I had lamb bolognese which was so fresh and delicious I will forever hold it up as the standard to compare all other bolognese dishes to. It was light as well as satisfying. My husband’s burger was huge, unbelievably juicy and delicious. The chocolate appetizer was creamy and subtle (& I don’t usually care much for chocolate).
I highly recommend Le Fond and we cannot wait to go back and try more of what Chef Eberle has to offer.
I don’t think it’s pricy. And there’s no need to be rude. If you are a sad vegetarian with hate feelings get a plant. I’ll bring enough friends there so we won’t miss rude people. Welcome to the hood!