due cause.

if they say everything old is new again, then they must be talking about alain ducasse's latest spot, bistrot benoit, opening next week.

the acclaimed chef is taking over the former la côte basque space to open what is sure to be the next haute spot. bistrot benoit is modeled after the original benoit, open since 1912 in paris. together with exec chef sébastien rondier, ducasse hopes to share the comforts and cuisine of a tradish parisian bistro. before you think new york doesn't have room for another steak frites and cassoulet corner, think again. this is ducasse, after all, and he doesn't mess around. here, it's all about the french (not americanized) classics. expect poached green asparagus with mousseline, and pike quenelles with a nantua sauce. sit in a space that mimics the original: everything from the tiles to the red velvet banquettes to the marble pedestals are based on the paris spot. the 133-seat resto also boasts a 60-seat private dining room, subdivided into three smaller salons (saint martin, hôtel de ville, rivoli), named after the streets leading to paris' benoit.

think of it as due cause to stray from your summer diet plan.

bistrot benoit
60 west 55th street
near 6th
646.943.7373
opens april 21st