The Five New York City French Restaurants
of Georges Forgeois 

Speed, Suspense and Steak Frites
Georges Forgeois loves motorcycles, racing and the thrill of the chase. He also loves French bistros and opened five of them in New York City. So, what do you get when you combine these multiple passions together? Some of the most exciting French dining this side of Le Mans.

The French created the Le Mans 24 hour auto race in 1923 as a way of testing new vehicles for their speed and endurance. And, Georges' endurance has certainly been tested as he introduced his first venture, Bistro Jules, fifteen years ago, and four more bar-bistros since then.

So, if you can't get to Paris this April, why not explore one or more of Georges' bistros? Each one has its own unique style, and we visited all five to get a sense of their varying personalities, vibes and menus.

The photos to the left are of Bistro Jules, Bar Tabac, Cafe Noir and Le Singe Vert. Pictured above is Cercle Rouge. And, enjoy our video which features shots of all venues plus sources of Georges' inspirations.

Cercle Rouge
The newest and swankiest of the Forgeois clan, Cercle Rouge takes its name from the suspenseful 1970 Jean-Pierre Melville film involving a jewel heist. So, it is either coincidence or convenience or both that the restaurant is located in Tribeca - home to the Tribeca Film Festival (which starts April 25), Bobby De Niro's headquarters and others in the industry. The sexy, yet casual setting features a classy bar at the front of the house and two-tops on the side for sipping one of the many fine wines offered. But, it was the racing helmets aligning the top of the bar and the photo of Steve McQueen that first caught our attention. Oddly enough, the chicken wings are the famed starter at Cercle Rouge, vouched for by Frank Bruni and other food critics. The menu also includes such staples as mussels and steak frites, as well as duck confit in mushroom gratin and cassis sauce, bouillabaisse and monkfish on baby artichoke ragout. The Monday night wine celebrations feature select wines at half price, and a DJ spins on Friday and Sat nights. Sidewalk seating available. Location: 241 West Broadway, between Beach and White Streets, Tribeca.

Bistro Jules
With Bistro Jules, Georges transports the feel of the jazz haunts in Harlem (where he lived for many years after coming to New York) to the bohemia of New York's East Village. The fact that this cellar jazz bistro is nestled among tattoo parlors and eclectic boutiques adds even more to its mystique. The warm amber lighting and red leather banquets creates a comfortable atmosphere for enjoying a glass of wine, mussels and more. Georges celebrates the French jazz revolution by offering nightly performances by local musicians. Also, check out Bistro Jules on the weekend for a mean jazz brunch. Location: 65 St. Mark's Place, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, East Village.

Cafe Noir
This North African inspired cozy corner French bungalow features tapas and cous cous to accompany the traditional bistro fare. The poster of a Bedouin above the bar adds another Georges touch to creating a subtle feel of mystery and intrigue. A young crowd gathers in tight near the bar, making Cafe Noir more suitable for late night drinking and noshing versus a sit down dinner. Location: 32 Grand Street, SoHo.

Bar Tabac
His only bistro in Brooklyn, Georges' Bar Tabac sits on a corner of bustling Smith Street. The restaurant's wood paneling, tile floors and carmel and copper tones give it a charming, provincial feel. Motorcycles and racing again factor in subtly to the decor. Enjoy a menu of shell steak, tuna steak, lamb shank and mussels. Finish off with a glass of port and one of the "diet busters," such as the flourless chocolate cake. Bar Tabac is famous for its mega Bastille Day celebration - think sand, petanque tourney and New Orleans swing bands. Sidewalk seating available. Location: 128 Smith Street, at Dean Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Le Singe Vert
The name means "green monkey" and the antique brass coat racks, wicker chairs and distressed mirrors are treasures from Georges' trips to France and North Africa. Enjoy delicious steak frites and a seafood and oyster bar here, along with delectable wine pairings. Sidewalk seating available. Location: 160 7th Avenue, between 19th and 20th Streets, Chelsea.