Michael White sparks excitement with Santi at Chez Fifi in Paris
- Michael White has opened a new Italian restaurant called Chez Fifi at the site of his former restaurant, Alto.
- The menu offers a range of Italian dishes and includes a second-floor lounge for drinks and small bites.
- This restaurant aims to honor the Foulquier brothers' mother and reflects ongoing culinary innovation in New York City.
In December 2024, Michael White reestablished his presence in New York City with a new restaurant located at 140 East 74th Street, a site that formerly housed his flagship restaurant, Alto. This new establishment, Chez Fifi, focuses on Italian cuisine, featuring several dining areas decorated in neutral tones. The menu offers a variety of starters, including escargots, foie gras terrine, and Basque txangurro baked crab, followed by main courses such as Dover sole à la plancha, roast chicken, and filet mignon au poivre. Chez Fifi is not just a family project; it honors the Foulquier brothers' mother, symbolizing both heritage and culinary passion. The restaurant includes a second-floor lounge called Salon de Fifi, where patrons can enjoy small bites and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. This revitalization of a renowned location showcases the impact of legacy in the competitive restaurant scene of New York City. Additionally, the dining landscape in this part of NYC reflects a growing trend where chefs are looking to combine cultural influences into their offerings. Other restaurant updates in the area include the launch of new dining experiences, such as the extravagant restaurant inspired by the Epang Palace, where diners can enjoy unique dishes like kaisen-don, a seafood bowl accompanied by a 60-hour broth. This shift illustrates a continued innovation and diversity in the culinary scene. As the restaurant industry in New York City continues to evolve, establishments like Chez Fifi and those surrounding it are pivotal in offering diverse dining choices while simultaneously paying homage to their roots. Michael White's endeavor exemplifies this intersection of tradition and modern culinary art, positioning his restaurant as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike who crave authentic Italian flavors within a meaningful cultural framework.