Pascal Oudin, the chef/owner of Pascal's on Ponce, known for contemporary takes on classic French cuisine, is opening a new bistro, making Coral Gables a mecca for Francophiles.
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Brasserie Central is scheduled to open late fall at Village of Merrick Park, across from Yardhouse. The restaurant, located at the upscale shopping center's level one courtyard, is designed as an indoor/outdoor Parisian bistro with exposed butcher block tables, bistro chairs, and antiqued mirrors depicting the 24 regions of France. The restaurant's concept is to serve "affordable and authentic French fare." While Pascal's on Ponce, now in its 14th year, serves more modern takes on French fare, Brasserie Central will stay true to classic roots.
The chef, who has worked with culinary masters like Alain Ducasse, Roger Vergé, and Joseph Rostang, says that, "Brasserie Central is a concept I've wanted to execute for quite some time. Here, we are true to the authentic Parisian brasserie, making everything from scratch daily, with classic French recipes and method, much like I used to enjoy in Paris."
Although the menu isn't set, chef Oudin is committed to giving guests as authentic experience as possible, serving housemade sausages, pate and charcuterie; artisanal cheeses; stove-to-table cocotte stews; and hand crafted cocktails. Starters will start at $6. Sandwiches and salads will be a shopper-friendly $8 - $16 and entrees will fall in he $15 - $36 range.
In addition, the bistro will offer a full raw bar with an oyster happy hour and an afternoon Glacerie menu filled with ice creams, crepes, waffles, and coffees -- think afternoon tea with a distinctly Parisian twist.
Once open, the bistro will serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. A weekend breakfast and brunch and grab-and-go options will be added shortly thereafter.
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