Chez Josephine

I found Chez Josephine on the Internet. It was close to our theater. I expected something nice, but not magical. We could have been anywhere in the world. The decor is plush, the host a character from Cage aux Folles, and the food exquisite too. Everyone went out of his way to make our birthday dinner for our son special, including fitting us in on a very busy night and the singing of the birthday song. It was a special evening for us all.

Our first visit to Chez Josephine was several years ago. We were going to catch a show with a business associate and she asked us to meet her at the restaurant. We were so taken with the service and the exquisite menu that it became a must every trip to NYC. It continues to be a wonderful experience and Jean-Claude always makes us feel welcomed and special. My brother-in-law who is from the area teases us about our love of Chez Josephine by pointing out the fact the New York has so many great restaurants and we always go to the same one. To that I say, when you've found the best, why look anywhere else! Bravo Jean-Claude! We love you!

The evening was a delight from the moment we walked into Chez Josephine Restaurant in New York City. The patrons were friendly and like one happy family. The food was absolutely delicious and the finest I have ever tasted. The service was exceptional and the beautiful ambience added to this wonderful evening. The talented, young composer and piano player lifted the spirits of the captive patrons and enraptured us all. We came away back to Massachusetts with joy in our hearts and a memory of the most wondrous of evenings.

Chez Josephine lived up to our highest expectations. Jean-Claude was the perfect host, welcoming but not obtrusive. He asked us if we were planning to see a show, which we were, and then made sure that we were served on time so that we had plenty of time to make the show. Starting with the lobster bisque, the meal was exquisite. My wife, whose biggest pet peeve about restaurants is when they serve hot dishes only lukewarm, was astounded by her piping hot dish (chicken) and the fact that the meal stayed hot. The servings were very generous and cooked just right. Our waiter was helpful and always attentive. Everything was genuine. At first couldn't figure out the obsession with Josephine Baker, but after talking a bit with Jean-Claude, it became clear. If you don't know already, Jean-Claude Baker was adopted by the legendary Josephine Baker when he was 14, and he wrote a detailed biography called "Josephine, the Hungry Heart", a true labor of love. I believe his labor of love carries over into his restaurant, not only in the food but in his attention to detail and the training of his staff, making an excellent dining experience. Highly recommended.

I had a great time at Chez Josephine 12/27 with my family. Our waiter was a little bit out there, perhaps a bit affected, but we enjoyed his antics and the service overall was stellar. Everything was hot, cold, filled, emptied, cleaned, etc. exactly when it was supposed to be, and the staff did it all without being obtrusive. A couple of us had the mushroom soup as an appetizer, and it was amazing. All of the food was well-presented. The salmon was decent, the lobster cassoulet was very good, the shrimp and baby pea risotto was excellent, and the amish chicken was outstanding. I didn't try the hangar steak special but the person who had it seemed to enjoy it. The staff accomodated some special requests for different sides, sauces, etc. without batting an eye. The desserts were all very good--nothing you couldn't find elsewhere, but a solid job. The decor was interesting. There was a great pianist playing. The owner greeted us at the door and took our coats. Overall it was just a great experience. To top it off, while it wasn't cheap, it was actually less expensive than I expected it to be, so that was a nice surprise at the end of the night. I'd definitely go back. Great place for a date or a dinner with a few close friends.

I just don't get it... this restaurant has been around for many years and I don't know how it has survived. The food is alright (not great). The wait staff is subpar. Our server was trying to act pretentious (as if he had some qualities to support his pretense) but he was just simply rude. He was full of one word answers and let us know that he was doing us a favor in responding. The interior is very old and dated and there is an ever present slightly stale odor of "last night's party."

Heaven can wait. Just get me to Chez Josephine! There were six in our party and none of us can stop raving about our exquisitely perfect evening at this most wonderful restaurant. From the moment we entered, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. Jean Claude is an effervescent glass of champagne...sparkling and joyfully unrestrained. He immediately makes you feel like family. The ambience is exciting and stimulating with the breathtaking art work of the celestial Josephine Baker. Lovely piano music, red velvet and , beautiful crystal chandeliers punctuate the lush references to Paris. The service was very friendly as well as professional , knowledgeable, and accommodating. The food was absolutely scrumptous! My husband and I were especially fond of the delectable lobster bisque. I simply can't say enough about Chez Josephine. It is flawless !(And so is Jean Claude!).