Located next to the fire station, and around the corner from a convenient municipal parking lot, Boulevard 18 has become a popular place in New Canaan for fine French dining, fortuitous given the closure of Bistro Bonne Nuit.
This sibling of Strada 18 in South Norwalk offers a wide range of French fare, some more modern than classic, like an ahi tuna tartare with Fresno chilis, red onion, lime zest, cilantro, avocado and harissa. But there are plenty of classic items, like an onion soup au gratin that I’m told is terrific, escargots, steak tartare, niçoise salad, and steak, clams or moules frîtes. A number of items at the restaurant are even housemade, including the gougères, pâté and three types of sausage.
Crusty bread and good butter got us started. My companion had cranberry juice, while I had red wine. We shared some herb-glazed nuts. Based on our visit, other items that I can vouch for include a special of crab salad atop avocado served with fresh pink grapefruit and raspberries; the classic frisée salad with poached egg, lardons and Roquefort dressing; pan-roasted whole rainbow trout with niçoise olives, capers, lemon, white wine and butter; and mustard-seed crusted leg of lamb with ratatouille, braised flageolet, red wine reduction and crumbled Feta (that seemed more like Chèvre).
From the desserts, we enjoyed housemade flourless chocolate cake, housemade carrot cake and housemade ice creams.
THE VERDICT: Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar provides a comforting French dining experience in downtown New Canaan.
FEEDBACK: Tell us about your experiences at Boulevard 18 (or Strada 18, for that matter).
CONTACT INFO: Boulevard 18 Bistro & Wine Bar, 62 Main Street, New Canaan; 203-594-9900; www.boulevard18.com