As the late afternoon sun slants through the windows onto the whitewashed walls and low-hung ceiling beams of Chez Noüe, you may feel as though you are in a French country bistro. The cozy bench seating interspersed with free-standing tables creates an intimate, yet homey air to Jehan de Noüe’s restaurant, tucked in the cellar of a 200-year-old carriage house in
Fresh flowers and plants adorn the windowsill and a single fresh rose, tinged with a lovely orange and crimson hue, compliments each table. The back wall is laden with bottles of herb and wine vinegar, framed photos and more plants.
Choose from a variety of appetizers including escargots Chez Noüe in a puff pastry; mussels marinière; and warm pepper-crusted goat cheese. A must-try: Vietnamese crawfish cakes. Served atop a bed of white bean ragout, the spicy cakes will whet your appetite for more of the chef’s delightful cuisine.
The baked salmon pesto is a succulent seven-ounce salmon steak swathed in pesto sauce and baked with mixed bread crumbs, to form a delicious crust. The filet mignon, topped with a creamy butter-rich herb sauce, is accompanied by perfectly crisp fried potatoes.
Among other superb dishes prepared by Chef Jacky Desjardins are sautéed escalope of veal garnished with fresh tarragon, a roasted seasonal vegetable tart and grilled herb-crusted rack of lamb. One house specialty is roast duck a l’orange with stone fruit—duck confit and breast in a sauce of orange juice, sun-dried cherries and apricots.
Be sure to leave room for dessert. The crème brûlée is luscious, cooked just right; the tarte maison, a delicious warm apple tarte swirled with caramel sauce. Or, simply indulge in fresh ice cream or sorbet from Ridgefield’s own Mr. Shane’s, with a variety of flavors offered daily.
Come and unwind in the restaurant’s popular bar area of high-topped tables and stools, and listen to jazz on Thursday evenings or come anytime for a snug dinner for two or a boisterous family get-together.
CHEZ NOUE
3 Big Shop Ln., Ridgefield, CT
(203) 894-8522
