Hell’s Kitchen’s newest gem (or should I say one of its oldest?) reopened a few months ago on 51st Street. A bastion of the French community in New York City, La Tout Va Bien has a complex history.
Nestled at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and 12th Street, Mino Brasserie stands as a charming 65-seat French restaurant, offering a modern twist on bistro classics at an affordable price. Since its opened its doors in 2022, Mino Brasserie has been delighting patrons with memorable meals that don’t break the bank. Led by Executive Chef Gerald Barthelemy, a former Michelin-star chef with an impressive tenure at the Vernet Hotel in Paris, the restaurant brings a touch of Parisian sophistication to the West Village.
The name Mino draws inspiration from the French slang term Minot, which translates to kid. This concept is deeply rooted in celebrating the old-school, artisanal style of French cuisine, and sharing a memorable meal with family, friends, and the community. Contrary to the misconception that French cuisine is decorative, Mino Brasserie proves otherwise. The dining experience here is not only filling but also beautifully presented, with each dish perfectly plated. Even the salad exudes style, featuring layers, a mild bitterness, and a hint of seasoning, complemented by a delightful aioli sauce that elevates each bite. The preparation of every dish left me in awe.
Image courtesy of Mino Brasserie
Mino impresses guest by embracing authentic French cuisine. Food has a way of making you feel at ease and comfortable. What the French consistently excel at is infusing love, warmth, and beauty into their culinary creations—an artistic escape experienced through every meal. As Paris is often dubbed the city of love, Mino Brasserie embraces a warm and intimate setting that aligns with the city’s romantic reputation. The carefully arranged seating and overall tone create an inviting space, encouraging patrons to truly engage, savor, and fully immerse themselves. The attention to detail is evident in the high ceilings, zinc countertops, oak wood floors, inviting tan banquettes, and ornate antique mirrors. Inspired by authentic Brasseries in France, the restaurant captures the essence of their timeless charm and culinary tradition.
Appetizers:
Burrata Des Pouilles : Traditional burrata, pear, roasted pine nuts, cherry glaze
The Burrata des Pouilles was phenomenal, with a perfect blend of flavors. While slightly heavy on the olive oil, the complexity of the dish was truly captivating. The sweet and salty combination, enhanced by strawberries and tasty mozzarella, created a harmonious symphony. The crispy crostini’s added a delightful texture, and the beautiful plating made the experience even more enjoyable. Paired with the Gewurztraminer, it was a match made in heaven.
Crevettes À L’aïoli: Grilled shrimps, aioli sauce, mixed salad.
I’m a big fan of shrimp, so when I saw it on the menu, I knew I had to try it. Grilled shrimp with aioli sauce—it sounded absolutely delicious. As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but appreciate the well-balanced seasoning and expert cooking, reflecting the care that went into making it perfect for me, the guest. Shrimp holds a prominent place in French cuisine, and it was an ideal choice to kick off the tasting at Mino Brasserie. Paired with the Gewurztraminer wine, it was a delightful combination. I have high standards for shrimp, and Mino certainly met the challenge, setting the tone for the entire evening. When the waiter brought out my plate, the fresh aroma and appealing appearance made me excited—I could tell this was going to be amazing.
Accompanied by:
The Gewurztraminer Hunawihr Alsace 2018 from France presents itself with a medium straw color. The taste is sweetish and balanced, offering tones of lychee and mango. With medium acidity, this white wine leaves a lasting impression with its long and satisfying aftertaste, making it a great pair for my dishes at Mino Brasserie.
Main Course:
The Wild Scallops were exceptional, with a reduction sauce that was truly noteworthy. Paired with fries that were just right—thin and delightful—the scallops were skewered, not just drowned in the sauce. The layering and arrangement of flavors, including arugula salad and vegetables, created a fantastic combo. This dish is an absolute favorite, and I’m obsessed with its presentation and taste.
Sweet Finale – Crème Brûlée:
The Crème Brûlée with vanilla was a comforting dessert, featuring a sweet sugar-glazed top that cracked open to reveal a perfectly balanced French vanilla custard. It wasn’t overly sweet but exceptionally tasty and fresh. Each flavor was distinct, making it a beautiful complement to the entire meal.
Mino Brasserie is located at 225 W. 12th St and is open Tuesday – Friday: 4:30 pm – 11pm, Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 am-12 am, 11 pm* on Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Reservations are available through Resy.