If you’ve been to the Menhaden to eat anytime in the last four months, then you’ve probably already sampled the delicious French cuisine put out by Demarchelier. Now, after months of anticipation, pandemic related setbacks and construction, the bistro is opening in its second space this weekend on Main Street in Greenport.
The interior, which has been transformed from one open room (previously a gallery) into a cozy and warm restaurant that holds up to 45 people, half that in COVID times. The walls are painted a soft yellow, the floor is hard wood and the furniture warm tones of burgundy, maroon and brown. Most of it was brought in from the Demarchelier on the Upper East Side that closed last year.
“The look is very similar,” Emily Demarchelier, owner, said, whose parents owned the bistro’s former location on New York City’s Upper East Side. “I know that my customers from the city will come in here and be really nostalgic and really happy to see everything come back to life.”
The bartop, an antique from the original location, had to be reconfigured to fit the new space. Tables and chairs scattered around the room, the banquette seating and light fixtures all made the move, too.
The paintings that cover just about every wall in the new space are also a transplant from the first Demarchelier. All of the artwork is painted by Demarchelier’s father, Eric, and they are all for sale. “What I’m going to continue to do here is have it be a rotating gallery and sell the pieces that are on the wall,” she said. “Once things get sold, I can change them out for a different vibe.”
As far as the menu goes, it will be a little different than what’s offered at the Menhaden location, which Demarchelier will continue to operate. Some items, like the steak tartare and crab avocado salad, will be taken off of the Menhaden’s menu to be exclusive at Demarchelier. The bistro will also offer a large selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as fondue, lamb shanks, osso bucco and other small plates. “It’ll be more focused on grilled items at the other location. And this will be more stews and braises,” Demarchelier said.
Demarchelier Bistro is open Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
