Voila!

How great is it to discover a restaurant in your own neighborhood that you have not tried before, and leave wanting to return as soon as possible? I did just that this week when I enjoyed a most delicious lunch at the charming and authentically French Paname Restaurant on 2nd Avenue and 56th Street.

Paname is a sweet and intimate spot, owned and operated by Chef Bernard, who cooks to order, and creates the most delightful and visually beautiful dishes. With varied entrees, salads, omelettes and incredibly gorgeous looking and tasting desserts, Paname is truly a lovely spot for lunch (there is an express lunch option, if you are in a hurry), a drink at the bar, or a leisurely dinner. The quality of the food is top notch, and the prices are quite reasonable. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine, chosen from a fine selection, and a made-to-order salad with shrimp and lentils, which followed a sampling of appetizers that I and my friends tried. And the desserts (did I mention that before?)…ooh la la!

Check out their Instagram page for a sampling of their artistically prepared dishes.

Paname. 1068 2nd Avenue, New York City

For more stories and conversation about food and theatre, listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” Saturday mornings 9-10, on AM970 Radio, online (www.am970theanswer.com), Alexa and podcast “The only food and theatre focused radio show in New York”