French Toast!

By Lisa Loverro

Located in the Nolita section of New York City, the highly anticipated La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels opened this past May and didn't disappoint their anxiously awaiting patrons. An extension of the renowned wine bar in Paris of the same name, and with a wine list of over 500 wines mostly from France, La Compagnie sits on Centre Street in a very low key spot, but this place is anything but low key when it comes to service and ambiance. It's dimly lit and cozy, a perfect spot for date night but also serves as a fun bar to visit with a group of friends.

The main area is comprised of couches and mod chairs gathered around wooden tables. There is also a beautiful marble wine bar, perfect for a casual cocktail after work. The crowd here is a mixed bag of sophisticated millennials and a mid 30's group, but the more mature crowd will not feel out of place here as the international set that frequents this French wine bar runs the age gamut.

The culinary dishes will have you wondering if you've stepped into a Michelin-starred restaurant. And rightly so since Chef Armand Arnal, of the Michelin-starred La Chassagnette, serves a very French-inspired menu of small plates including Toad in a Hole with truffle butter, Duck Liver confit and Roasted Lamb Shoulder. As mentioned earlier, the wine list is extensive and although most are from France there is also a nice mix of other regions represented as well, including a variety of South African wines which can be hard to fine in this city. The unique draw behind the bar here at La Compagnie are the two glass Enomatic machines that keep up to 16 open bottles available on tap; a nice touch to allow the patron to try high-end "bottle only" options by the glass.

It's best to make reservations on weekend nights but otherwise you'll be able to walk in during the week. La Compagnie will instantly transport you to a tiny bar in Paris without the high cost of the airfare.

La Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels
249 Centre Street
NY, NY 10013
212.343.3660
compagnienyc.com