The Sidewalk Bistro
Piermont is sporting a hot new restaurant. The Sidewalk Bistro, which opened May 29th in the spot where the Sidewalk Café had previously been, specializes in French bistro fare. Alsace-born chef and co-owner Alain Eigenmann who for seven years was executive chef at Provence in Manhattan describes the restaurant as more brasserie than bistro with simple but elegant food. Alain has partnered with Daout Celestin; for the past eighteen years he has been maitre d’ at nearby Xaviars. Close friends, they originally met while working at Raoul’s in Nyack twenty-two years ago.
The interior of the Sidewalk Bistro is comfortable, decorated in subtle grayed down colors, with large mirrors, ceiling fans and tiled floors but a bit noisy with all the hard surfaces and the TV over the bar on. A large semi-circular mahogany bar where one can dine as well as drink dominates the entrance. A variety of beers are available on tap. There are a few tables here and in an alcove to the right. The main dining room is off to the left. Seating extends outside with sidewalk tables in front and an ample patio in back with its own bar. The new restaurant gets high marks for food —delicious, nicely prepared, imaginative but not over the top and well priced. There are lots of appetizers, a Kobe burger $10, several pasta dishes, and two pizzettes (thin individual pizzas). The Alsacien pizzette $12, is topped with Muenster cheese, bacon and onion. Among the main entrees the Brochette Provencale at $22 (shrimp, scallops and asparagus) has proven to be a favorite. Other main dishes include rack of lamb $26, grilled organic chicken $16, and bouillabaisse $19. Alain, true to his Alsacien roots, plans to include choucroute on his winter menu.
Service is friendly but we found busboys overzealous, trying to collect our plates before we were finished. We had no trouble getting our food but there have been complaints that during peak times the small kitchen is overwhelmed and food is slow in coming out, particularly when there is a large group.
Word has gotten out and the place is frequently packed. Reservations are not accepted so be prepared to wait if you arrive at a popular time. The Sidewalk Bistro is open 11am to 11pm daily and is located at 482 Piermont Avenue. (845) 680-6460.