Inside Claudine, Opening in Union Square on Nov. 1

Grid View

• See the retail area behind the bar, and the crudo area to the left.
• This wall mural was painted by Leon Loucheur of Blue Jay Arts. See there, taps for wine and beer too.
• The dining room is filled with walnut wood tables.
• Bright lime green French wallpaper lines the right wall there.

[Photo: Eva Frye]

Over the past few weeks, bits and pieces about Franck LeClerck's latest toy, Claudine, have filtered in. Now it's time for the full reveal. As of today, the forthcoming menu from chef Bridget Batson is still a work in progress, but you can expect plates priced between 10 and 24 dollars, catered to the lunch crowd with global influences similar to those at Batson and LeClerk's other neighboring restaurant Gitane.

Take note, it's not trying to be another Union Square table-service cafe. There will also be a take-out pantry with pre-packaged meals for FiDi types in a rush, and some retail shelves near the bar. (Always a good idea to combine drinking and shopping, yes?) They're stocking up on local cookbooks, food products, and other culinary doodads, with en eye towards last-minute gift giving. Claudine will open to the public on November 1. For now, have a preview look around at the interior as Consortium designed it. The crudo bar, a circular wine bar, and dining area encompass 31 seats in total.

· All Claudine Coverage [~ ESF ~]