Le Philosophe is located where the former Hung Ry restaurant  lived for a brief stint.  But restauranteurs are clamoring for spots on Bond Street, so it quickly converted to a forward-thinking French Bistro with a philosopher theme.  The early word from critics has been incredibly good, so we decided to check it out for a weekday lunch while I was taking a couple of days off.  Lunch is always a good time to try hot spots.  We were among 5-6 other tables in a place that is generally bustling with activity.

We loved the decor, which for all intents and purposes looks like Hung Ry with a few additions to make a French and Philosopher theme.  For one, the side wall is covered with large format pictures of famous philosophers.  I heard there’s something in it for you if you are able to identify all of the philosophers by name.  The entry has become a wall lined with wines and beers with a painted Plate of the Day menu.

The philosopher wall has a clear glass door to the wine fridge, which is a pretty great idea.

But the shining star here was most definitely the food.  While sadly we only came for lunch, it was one perfect lunch.  They offer a prix fixe lunch for $20 of one appetizer and one entree so we went for it.  Matthew Aita, the chef, is originally from Philly and has worked for both Jean Georges and Daniel.  His last gig was at Sullivan Street Baking Company, so he’s got the French down as well as the bread.

Each dish was perfectly balanced from the gorgeous cauliflower soup to the pork belly and poached egg sandwich.  The salad greens had hidden gems in the bottom – beets, green beans and dollops of lemon dressing.  And the sign of any good kitchen, of course, is a perfectly roasted chicken.  I regret not ordering the radish, butter and salt appetizer.  But if there’s any question on what to order it’s the Berkshire Pork Belly!

Cauliflower soup / Almond / Capers / Lemon oil…9

Market greens, vegetables and herbs / lemon vinaigrette …9

Roasted amish chicken / Arugula / Citrus / Sunchoke…15

Berkshire Pork belly sandwich / Poached egg / Pickled onion / Watercress Smoked paprika / Piave…13

Le Philosophe also offers organic sodas which are interesting.  We both tried one but weren’t totally in love.  One was Ginger-Orange and the other Lemonade.

Conclusion here is we must go back for dinner.  I saw frog’s legs as an appetizer and of course they have the trend du jour, classic bone marrow to compare and contrast with the last 10 spots we had it!  I’ve heard raves on the Maine Lobster Thermidor as well.  Undoubtedly we’ll be back soon to the hot restaurant row that is Bond Street.

http://lephilosophe.us/Le_Philosophe/Le_Philosophe.html

55 Bond Street – Noho