Le Gamin

Owner Robert Arbor moved to New York City from Fontainebleu, France in order to be with his wife. He opened the first of several Le Gamin cafes in 1992 after attending the French Culinary Institute and spending a year “touring” the French kitchens of the city. His favorite restaurant in the city is Daniel, while his favorite restaurant in France has no name. It is a place “where you sit and the ladies cook and bring you food… and oh dear, it is local, home made and good!” Cookbooks are Arbor’s favorite read, especially the regional ones. His own cookbook, Joie de Vivre, is a collaboration with his wife who took the photographs. He describes it as “a fantasy day in France, but with genuine recipes that are easy to replicate”.

Chef Christophe Breat  grew up on a vineyard in Burgundy, France, where he watched his grandmother prepare dishes using all local fresh ingredients. Chef Breat’s fond memories of his grandmother’s cooking is what inspired him to become a chef. His favorite restaurant in France is L’Auberge de l’Eridan in Annecy, and stateside he is a fan of the French Laundry. On his days off, Chef Breat enjoys exploring the city’s food scene. 108 Franklin Street www.legamin.com

 

Tagged as: bistro, cafe, French, kitchen, Myriam Babin, New York, photography, restaurant