Café Paulette Makes You Feel Right At Home

You know that ordered right feeling? Café Paulette brims with that from the moment you walk in.

I was joined by a pair of companions when I stopped into Café Paulette on a Wednesday night at its new location at 1 South Elliot Place, along Fort Greene Park. The bistro just moved into its new location, taking over Cammareri’s old spot, but it already feels at home.

“What’s interesting is to do a neighborhood restaurant, to be a part of the neighborhood,” said Cafe Paulette’s owner Lionel Bremond, a native Parisian. Bremond’s goal is to “be a part of the family. 90% of our customers are regulars.”

Bremond’s background is as much in fashion as it is in food, and it shows in his restaurant.

“In France you do everything. You mop the floor, you take orders, you do the office work,” said Bremond, whose personal touches abound in things like the red leather booths and the name Café Paulette, taken from his grandmother.

I got the Burger Paulette ($17, $19 with cheese) at the urging of our waitress. I was treated to a rich, savory burger that was as tender as could be. The bun was soft and held up to the very, very juicy burger. Just as important, the french fries were absolutely outstanding.

My omnivorous dining companion agreed that the burger is a total ordered right, as she made sure to take a second bite that I still rue allowing. My pescetarian friend thought the fries were fabulous.

One of my dining partners ordered the Salad Niçoise ($21), and here, we differed. She was not enamored by the salad, though she praised the quality of the ingredients. However, she also doesn’t care for tomatoes or anchovies. She didn’t order right.

I eat tomatoes like apples and live for anchovies, and thus, found the salad quite pleasing. The anchovies were strong, the tuna was unctuous, and the tomatoes were bright. My pescetarian friend was equally enamored.

We also ordered the escargot ($13), which was so good that I decided to put it on top. It was not too salty, though quite garlicky and drenched with the homemade butter that begged to be sopped up.

All of that brings us here: the Ravioles du Royans ($15) is the ordered right. It’s rich, creamy, and it will render your appetite insatiable. It’s perfect to split as an appetizer, though it’s certainly weighty enough to classify as a main dish. Either way, this is the best thing I tried in a dinner full of great flavors.

We shared the cremé caramel for dessert and there was nary a bit left of the refreshing dessert between our three spoons.

We drank the house rosé ($7) with our meal. It’s light and can sneak up on you. It’s available on discount during happy hour, which runs from 4pm to 7pm.

I’ve gotten lucky lately with food in these parts, and I’m very happy to say that Café Paulette adds to the ever-growing list of great fare in Fort Greene. It feels just right.

Café Paulette
Address: 1 South Elliot Place
Phone: (718) 852-8582
Try: The escargot, the Ravioli du Roy, the Burger Paulette, and even the Salad Nicoise.
Avoid: Nothing. This menu is full of ordered rights.
Kids: The ravioli and the burger are your best bets.