"L' Étoile du Nord" French Restaurant Opens in South Bricklyn

March 17, 2024

by Gloria Vanderbrick, Bricklyn Eagle People in the News correspondent, and finalist for a 2023 Brickitzer Prize.

The wait is over for lovers of fine French food in Bricklyn, with the grand opening of “L’Étoile du Nord” restaurant in Le Bricklyn Hotel on Lower North Street in South Bricklyn.

Since the hotel opened last Spring, gastronomes have watched as workers have scurried about installing restaurant furnishings and equipment in Le Bricklyn’s spacious north wing.

The Grand Opening

The main dining room at the new L'Étoile du Nord restaurant. — The main dining room at the new *L’Étoile du Nord* restaurant, with views out the windows of Bricklyn’s Northside Square on the other side of the Chasm of Bricklyn (which separates Bricklyn from South Bricklyn). This and other photos on this post, unless otherwise noted, taken by Gloria Vanderbrick with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

The grand opening of L’Étoile du Nord last week was quite the scene, with a number of Bricklyn luminaries, as well as leaders of the Bricklyn chapter of the Alliance Française, having secured sought-after seating.

A festive atmosphere prevailed as guests sat down in the beautifully lit, Beaux-Arts style dining room. All were there for Chef Christophe Plater Poulin’s opening night offerings.

In the spotless kitchen, the well-organized “equipe” looked as if they had already been at work serving guests for weeks.

A glimpse into L'Étoile du Nord's kitchen. — A glimpse into L’Étoile du Nord’s kitchen. The kitchen not only serves the main dining room, but also has an innovative counter (seen in the lower right portion of the photo) where guests can sit and order more casual fare.

Meet Chef Christophe Plater Poulin

Chef Christophe, who moved to Bricklyn from the Realm of Lyon after training at the École de Cuisine Gourmets, freed up a few moments to speak with us. As Christophe explained, “We want our guests to feel like they’ve been transported to the heart of France, savoring not just the flavors but also the culture and passion that go into each dish. L’Étoile du Nord is more than a restaurant; it is a celebration of the artistry that defines French gastronomy.”

*Chef Christophe Plater Poulin at work in the kitchen.*

As Christophe added: “Bricklyn has long deserved to share in our French culinary traditions. We hope that food lovers from elsewhere, especially in the realms of the, how do you say, Legion of Honor Cities,📍 will come to visit us. While in Bricklyn, bien sûr, they can also have their little breakfast at that charming Bricklyn café of Ms. Patsy.”

📍We believe Christophe meant to say, “League of Inland Cities.”

We also asked Christophe to highlight a signature dish that embodies the essence of his culinary vision.

*Chef Christophe with his special take on Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise.*

Christophe took a moment and then replied by telling us, “One dish that encapsulates the soul of L’Étoile du Nord is our Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise. This traditional Provençal fisherman’s stew is a harmonious blend of various fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs.

We take great care in selecting the freshest seafood available, from off the shores of Bricklyn Bay when possible.

The broth is infused with the flavors of saffron, fennel, and tomatoes, bringing together the warmth and hospitality of Southern France in each spoonful.”

Why the Name L’Étoile du Nord?

Why the name “L’Étoile du Nord” for the restaurant? As Christophe explained, “you see, we are not only on Rue Nord, that is, North Street, but we also have right next to us the main line of the Bricklyn Brickstar train route, which reminded me of the luxurious, early in the 20th century train, L’Étoile du Nord.”

After speaking with Christophe, we spotted Tom Brickorti, head of Bricklyn’s Chamber of Commerce, dining with his wife and some friends.

Brickorti told us the restaurant’s opening shows that “Bricklyn’s a Realm that appreciates fine dining,” aadding that “we are so pleased that Chef Christophe decided to make the long voyage from France to take the reins here and share his knowledge and love of French cuisine with us.”

Bonne chance, Christophe and L’Étoile du Nord! ✥

Chamber of Commerce president Tom Brickorti at head of table during L'Étoile du Nord's opening night. Views of Northside Square and downtown Bricklyn out the windows. — *Chamber of Commerce president Tom Brickorti at head of table during L’Étoile du Nord’s opening night. Views of Northside Square and downtown Bricklyn out the windows.*

A Look at the Menu

Here’s a copy of the menu from the opening night of L’Étoile du Nord.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

The following is posted with permission of The Bricklyn Foodie on March 18, 2024. Photos added by The Bricklyn Eagle, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

Review of L’Etoile du Nord by Pieter Wellbrick, Food Critic for The Bricklyn Foodie

Photo of Le Bricklyn Hotel — *Le Bricklyn Hotel, home to L’Étoile du Nord, anchors the western end of Lower North Street, facing the spectacular Chasm of Bricklyn.*

★★★★★ “Nestled within the enchanting confines of Le Bricklyn Hotel in South Bricklyn, L’Etoile du Nord has emerged as a beacon of culinary excellence under the masterful guidance of Chef Christophe Plater Poulin.

The restaurant’s grand dining room sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience that transcends mere sustenance to become a symphony of gastronomic delight. From the moment one steps through its doors, it is evident that this establishment is destined to become a cornerstone of fine dining in the realm.

Photo of Bricklyn restaurant critic Pieter Wellbrick. — *Restaurant critic Pieter Wellbrick for The Bricklyn Foodie. Photo by Gloria Vanderbrick, with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.*

Chef Christophe Plater Poulin’s reputation precedes him, and rightly so, as evidenced by the sensational Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise that graces the menu. This iconic French dish, elevated to new heights by Chef Poulin’s culinary prowess, is a revelation of flavors and textures.

The broth, infused with the essence of saffron and Mediterranean herbs, serves as a canvas upon which the freshest seafood dances in harmony.

Each spoonful is a testament to the Chef’s commitment to perfection, as the nuanced balance of flavors transports diners to the sun-kissed shores of Marseille with every bite.

*A farm in Provence. Photo courtesy of the Office de Tourisme de Provence, with assistance from Dall E-3.*

Continuing the culinary journey through the rustic landscapes of Provence, Chef Poulin presents his Ratatouille Provençale — an ode to the vibrant bounty of the region.

The Bricklyn Foodie's Pieter Wellbrick with a plate of Ratatouille Provencale. — Critic Wellbrick at L’Etoile du Nord about to taste Chef Poulin’s Ratatouille Provençale. Note that Wellbrick often switches his disguise when checking out Bricklyn restaurants. But our intrepid reporter Gloria Vanderbrick spotted Wellbrick and he graciously permitted her to take this photo, with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

This humble yet sublime dish showcases the Chef’s reverence for simplicity and tradition, as he expertly crafts a symphony of seasonal vegetables into a masterpiece of flavor and texture.

The Ratatouille, bursting with the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender vegetables, is a testament to Chef Poulin’s skill in coaxing out the natural essence of each ingredient, resulting in a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delectable.

As the culinary journey reaches its crescendo, diners are treated to the pièce de résistance: the tarte tatin.

Tarte tatin being served. — *Tarte Tatin being served at L’Etoile du Nord.*

Chef Poulin’s rendition of this classic French dessert is nothing short of sublime. The buttery pastry, delicately caramelized apples, and hint of cinnamon combine to create a symphony of flavors that culminates in a sensation of pure bliss with every forkful.

Served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, it’s a fitting conclusion to a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

L’Etoile du Nord is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey through the heart of France, guided by the vision and talent of Chef Christophe Plater Poulin. ✥

Note: This post and Wellbrick’s review were peppered with some “over the top” assistance from Chat GPT AI. For more on the use of AI in Bricklyn.