Denver is having a love affair with French food these days and we couldn’t be happier. As fans of many things French, we love to see this wonderful cuisine getting its share of attention on the restaurant scene here. The opening of a second location for Le French adds a Senegalese twist to classics. In Good Taste Denver was there for a sneak peek before the grand opening on September 21, 2023. Here are our writer’s impressions.
In the hands of Chef Aminata Dia from the west African country of Senegal, by way of Paris, Denver’s French cuisine scene is evolving with the opening of Le French in the 9+CO dining district. And we must say “Merci beaucoup!” and “our compliments” to the chef.
Dia and her sister, Chef Rougui, refined their menu of French comfort food with Senegalese influences at the first Le French location in the Belleview Station development in the Denver Tech Center area. The gorgeous new dining space at 9+CO entices central Denver Francophiles. Menu offerings are the same at both locations, with an expanded wine selection at 9+CO. A sexy bar area serves up fresh cocktail offerings like the Fatou Diome with prosecco/fig/lemon – “Salut!”
At a recent menu tasting event on the eve of Le French’s grand opening, I enjoyed a sampling of their menu, including:
Boeuf Bourguignon – luscious tender meat (no knife needed), resting on a bed of creamy smooth potatoes and topped with a rich (but not too rich) sauce with mushrooms. Julia would be pleased.
Poulet Yassa – a chicken leg and thigh graced by a bright lemon and onion pan sauce with simple white rice to help sop up the sauce. Think of a French grandma’s Sunday dinner best chicken for the family.
Chou-Fleur Au Curry – a bright vegetarian dish that held its own against the meaty competition. Cauliflower and cherry tomatoes in a flavorful sauce of coconut and curry.
Salmon with Potato-Truffle Emulsion – a savory mouthful of this dish includes butternut squash and a drizzle of vinaigrette reduction on the crispy basil.
Other French classics on the menu include Salade Nicoise ($16), a vegetarian French Onion Soup ($10), a slew of small plates including Escargot ($16), Foie Gras ($27), and exciting Senegalese-French mashups like Brie and Baobab Preserves ($17) and a Senegalese fried pastry with tuna called Les Pastels ($13).
With prices from $15 for a simple crepe jambon et fromage (ham and cheese) to $48 for the Entrecôte (ribeye steak), the menu invites a wide audience – from teenagers on a first date with a tight budget, to business types and a generous expense account. And vegetarians can say “Oui!” to a meal here- with thoughtful meat-free menu options from small plates to entrees.
With a stylish, welcoming atmosphere, beautifully prepared food, creative cocktails, and desserts (crepes, tartes), Le French offers a fresh Parisian-inspired “Bienvenue!” dining experience in east Denver.
In press materials, chef and co-owner Aminata Dia says: “I am proud to continue to provide Denver with the opportunity to enjoy the culinary traditions I grew up with. Le French offers much more than traditional Parisian cuisine. We are very proud of our French favorites, of course, but I love encouraging our guests to explore tastes of Africa as well. I’m thrilled to continue this culinary fusion in our new 9+CO location – an exciting milestone for us – and we look forward to continuing to grow and serve our communities.”
Le French is open 7 days a week, with brunch served Friday-Sunday. Happy Hour specials. The restaurant is located at 846 Albion Street. Visit their website, here.
-Article and photos, except where mentioned, by Jimmy McDonough for In Good Taste Denver.
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