In 2023, Alexia Duchêne in Fort Greene was an excited young chef with a lofty reputation and heavy-hitter endorsement. A month later, she left. Exact details weren’t shared, but the more casual direction Margot went in afterward was an indicator.
What Margot lost, however, the West Village has now gained. Duchêne (formerly of Le Taillevent, Frenchie, Passerini) has teamed up with her partner in life and business Roman Duchêne Le May (former maître d at Cafe Boulud) to open Le Chêne. The pair’s debut restaurant project, Le Chêne, indicates high ambition for the years to come, with a confident menu that speaks to their journey to date.
Paying homage to French-inspired dishes, dripping in understated style and happily placed in the middle of one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, Le Chêne has all the makings of an NYC classic. In fact, you’ll already find a table nigh on impossible to secure; best of luck.
Chef
Alexia Duchêne first cropped up on the fine dining scene at a young age. From 15 years old she was working in reputable kitchens and completed training in the likes of Frenchie in London and Noma in Copenhagen. In 2021, aged just 23, she made it to the semi finals of Top Chef France, making her the youngest woman to reach that stage of the competition.
Menu
Le Chêne is self-prescribed as highlighting traditional French recipes, which might sound generic, but plenty of personal influence creeps in. There’s the oeuf mayonnaise, a play on Duchêne’s favorite toasted sandwich, the tuna melt; a potato gratin that uses chef Joël Robuchon’s recipe from the 1930s; and a rice pudding with mango and toasted buckwheat, in an homage to her father’s favorite sweet treat. The menu references tradition, but its not held back by it.
Assuming responsibility for drinks is Roman Duchêne Le May, who – fittingly – grew up in a winemaking family near Bordeaux. Duchêne Le May’s wine list is predominantly European and showcases some lesser known labels against big hitters. Cocktails follow a similar vein: classic serves alongside unique twists.
Interiors
Le Chêne is small with just 30 covers, but every corner of the space is put to work. An intimate bar, characterized by its custom U-shaped bar and dark wood panelling, welcomes guests before they head in for dinner.
The main dining room is simple but luxe, with special details used sparingly: a flash of red velvet here; a gilded edge there. On the walls hangs a collection of curated art works including a custom piece by Frederic Anderson, Jean-Michel Basquiat prints and a Warhol original. Crisp white tablecloths remind guests that they are in a proper little French restaurant here.
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Le Chêne, 76 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014, lechenenyc.com
