Rebelle with a (Majorly Delicious) Cause
Rebelle, the new Nolita restaurant from the team behind wine-focused Pearl and Ash is sexy, housed in a casual, industrial looking space that oozes downtown cool. Designed by h0me Interiors, there are exposed brick walls, a marble bar and chef’s counter, custom textiles, and original artwork, all of which combine to create a haute modern bistro that’s a little bit gritty and totally glam. If this sounds intimidating, don’t be alarmed: the staff and servers, dressed in flannel and chambray, are totally friendly. We were a bit sheepish when we inquired about finding a cheap-ish bottle of rosé, but co-owner and wine director Patrick Cappiello put us at ease. He couldn’t have been more gracious and psyched to show off one of his French favorites that was as delicious as it was easy on our wallets.
With executive chef Daniel Eddy (of Paris’s Spring) and pastry chef Jessica Yang (a Per Se alum) at the helm of this super legit small plate menu, this food experience is a serious one – not one you should go for when you’re “in the mood for a salad” (when is that ever a real thing?) or not feeling a little decadent and adventurous. The plates are seasonally-influenced modern twists on French classics, like Lamb Tartar and Sweetbreads with Crab, Eggplant, and Citrus. We opted for only 3 courses instead of the suggested 4, leaving room for #morewine from the larger than 1,500-bottle wine list. Here’s what we went for: Leek Vinaigrette with Soft Boiled Egg and Leek Ash (what?!), Asparagus Salad with Ramps and Fiddlehead. Then, we were cajoled into the Duck Breast, despite feeling like we always eat duck at French restaurants (#toughlife). We were wrong to be so stank. That ducky was surprising and exciting, with a smokey almond sauce and perfectly crispy skin. Touché, Rebelle, touché.
And then dessert. Which might (see: definitely) have been better than any Spring fling we’ve ever had: a perfectly puffed, praline cream-filled Paris-Brest.
The net-net here is that we’ve got a new French boyfriend who lives on the Bowery. Don’t be jealous. You can too.
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