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FRENCH BLISS

"We want
to be the little place around the corner," says Eric Lagrange,
co-owner of the long-awaited Belleville (named for an area of
Paris that means "beautiful town") in Park Slope.



The space sat empty for months before Belleville opened in early
October. To lure diners into his cafe, Lagrange and partner Alain
Deuneulin, offer lightened takes on French brasserie cooking.



"We’re using less butter; no cream. We serve meat cooked
on the rotisserie and four different soups each evening,"
says Lagrange, who adds, "We’re keeping our prices moderate
so people can eat here often."



While Chef Joe Elorriaga (at left), who worked for two other
Lagrange establishments – Casimir and The Elephant, both in Manhattan
– lightens the cuisine a bit, he isn’t afraid to dish out the
real stuff – confit of duck, grilled shell steak with frites
and beef daube (stew in red wine).



"We shopped in the north of France for authentic mirrors,
chairs, the bar – it’s all authentic, all antique," says
Lagrange. "We have a good lease. We’ll be here for 17 years."




Belleville (330 Fifth St. at Fifth Avenue) accepts American Express.
Entrees: $10.50-$16.50. The restaurant serves dinner seven days
a week. Belleville also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
from 10:30 am until 4 pm. For reservations call (718) 832-9777.