It was a sad day for tout le monde when Josephine in Boston closed last year, having recently received the honor of Best French Restaurant in the Best of Boston awards.
Fast forward to early this year, when, to my utter delight, I learned that the chef from Josephine was going to a new French “tapas” and wine bar, Frenchie, in the South End.
After a few delays, my Francophile friend and I made it there for dinner! Finally, a place that really has a French bistro feel to it!
It was cozy and warm inside, and even though we were seated somewhat towards the front of the restaurant, I was perfectly comfortable.
The menus are charmant!
And we were served fresh French bread with a crunchy crust. Kudos to my friend for resisting.
They also have a great by the glass list of reds and whites, with many French wine choices. I got a Sancerre wine, not a super generous pour at $17 a glass, but the wine was great and it went perfectly with our food.
Here’s what we ate:
Shrimp crudo (they were out of fluke) with chili coconut broth, Piquillo pepper and kaffir lime.
Flash fried, crispy Brussels sprouts with currants and black garlic aoli.
Tuna tartare with tomatillo salsa, charred shisito (don’t think this was added) and parsley salad.
Aperitivo with anchovy purée, Boursin and artichoke spread and warm olives.
Octopus (which I gave up a year and a half ago)- my friend said it was the most tender octopus she had ever eaten. It looked perfect! 
Perfect escargot toast with tons of herbed garlic butter for dipping!
Are you drooling?! I am stuffed, but I still want to eat this picture.
Everything was really well done. I wouldn’t order the aperitif again, but I would order the rest.
We enjoyed the ambiance, food and wine (me) and great conversation. As I have said before, there are few better experiences than eating French food and making travel plans. At minimum, a long weekend in Paris is in the works.
Bisous, PF