Lina Frey

I’d been reading about Lina Frey (201 East Houston at Ludlow Street) the newest French Bistro & Creperie in the LES for some time so I decided to finally check it out for myself.  Actually, I had read more about the beer selection & retractable roof than the food, so I was eager to see what all of the fuss was about.

It was a particularly warm day so we took a seat right by the fan & under the pretty badass retractable roof which offered some amazing views of the day’s clear sky.  Immediately I noticed the beer selection, they have a few greats on tap; Duvel Green, Delerium Tremens & Abita Purple Haze to name a few.  Definitely not for the faint of heart!

The menu is mainly made up of small plates.  I got the Salmon Tartare ($8) & a side of Cauliflower Puree ($4).  I really liked the Tartare, it had red pepper in it which I’ve never had before & it was tart (citrus zest & capers) which is right down my alley.  The puree has very interesting.  I’ve never had it before & there was honey in the dish which was a nice touch.  Perhaps not the best accompaniment for the Tartare, but I did enjoy it.

My buddy got the Grilled Chicken Breast Persille ($7) & the Cucumber & Red Onion Salad ($5).  I tried some of the chicken & I really like how they didn’t overcook it.  Chicken breast shouldn’t be cooked to death & they hit this one out of the park.  I don’t think that he was very impressed with the salad, but it’s basically just as advertised.

I enjoyed my meal here & will be coming back to try some of the Crepes & beer.