Casimir Restaurant
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In Alphabet City, there is an abundance of cozy restaurants, cafes, bistros, each more inviting than the next. A steady stream of foreigners confirm the international flavor of the area, and opportunity to find some authentic French cuisine. Casimir, on Avenue B between 6th & 7th will not only meet your expectations but exceed them! One word…mussels. To me the best mark of a French restaurant is a bowl of steaming mussels steeped in a delicious broth. I want to have juice dripping down my chin and several baskets of bread to soak up the goodness. Let’s just say the bowl was empty and my soul was happy. Light and flavorful with a bite of garlic, these mussels are among the best I’ve tasted. Other things to try include the Grilled Pork Chop, homemade Soups and, of course, Steak Frites. Casimir is very reasonable for the quality of food as well with entrees between $12 and $25 and several bottles of wine under $30. Saturday and Sunday brunch is only $9.95. The atmosphere reminds me of the time I spent in Paris. Tin ceilings, brick walls, ceiling fans and dim lighting instantly relax you. The outdoor patio is also a bonus for those that spend most of the day indoors. I liked their signature espresso with Pistachio Ice Cream but the real star dessert was the Tarte Tatin served warm with vanilla ice cream. Casimir is good for groups and romantic evenings. Casimir, 103 Avenue B 212-358-9683 www.casimirrestaurant.com