French Connection

A buzzy bistro on Manhattan's Upper East Side combines Parisian classics with Basque accents

- TERRY ZARIKIAN

ALREADY BELOVED BY New York's top chefs who have adopted it as their favorite French kitchen, Chez Fifi has been newly acknowledged by the Michelin Guide, recognizing it as the hottest reservation on the Upper East Side. Chez Fifi pays homage to the mother of the owners, brothers Josh and David Foulquier, known for their Michelin-two-star Sushi Noz located close by. The decor is like a posh country house, with food curated by the brothers and executive chef Zack Zeidman. I was excited to get an elusive table and was delighted to discover that the French-inspired cuisine includes iconic Basque dishes, which accent the menu and bring the experience to a higher level.