Boca Moving to Former Maisonette Space

[Porkopolis]

This is great news for Downtown. Since I have been ripping 3CDC in another thread I'll give credit where credit is due: they got this one right. I'm very excited about the new La Normandie style "more affordable" option.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110930/BIZ01/309300018/

[Michigan Muskie]

I have mixed feelings about this personally, but ultimately it's probably a great improvement to the city.

I started patronizing LaNormandie when I was a kid going to work with my dad and have the fondest of memories taking part in lunch with him and his crew.

Years later, I worked there as a bartender while getting my masters at X - and eventually met my next employer while behind the bar during Happy Hour. There wasn't a whole lot of turnover in the service staff downstairs, so I felt it was quite a privilege to be included in the group. I am still friends with my fellow bartenders from my time there in the mid '90s.

LaNormandie was also home to the first date with the woman I eventually married. I drove her down from Oxford to make it happen, as I wouldn't have considered taking her anywhere else. She fell in love with the creamy garlic house dressing, but then again, who didn't? (I actually got the recipe from one of the Comisars well after they closed down.)

I remember the riots in April 2001, but at the time didn't consider what the long-term effects could be. The organized boycotts and the events that took place five months later didn't help consumer confidence either, but really, the three days of rioting launched a fatal decline on The Maisonette / LaNormandie.

When I learned they were going to shut down the operation, I remained in denial. By then I had moved up to Michigan so I didn't get downtown all that often. But it was nice to know I had a place to go when I did. To this day, every time I walk by the vacant building, I feel a lump in my throat and my hole in my heart. (I have become a sap over time).

As much as I can never imagine that lower level being anything but LaNormandie, I'd much rather see the space put to good use rather than sit unoccupied forever. It would be great if Falk is able to preserve some of the character that made LaNormandie so unique - especially since he worked in the Maisonette kitchen.

Thanks for sharing - I'm anxious to see how this develops.

[xucub]

She fell in love with the creamy garlic house dressing, but then again, who didn't? (I actually got the recipe from one of the Comisars well after they closed down.)

Care to share that recipe??

[drudy23]

Never got to go there, but always hear LaNormandie and The Maisonette in the same sentence? Was LaNormandie a section of the restaurant or something?

[paulxu]

Downstairs casual (dark wood, great bar, waitresses in drindl type outfits) vs. 5 star dining upstairs in the Maisonette.

[bobbiemcgee]

Downstairs casual (dark wood, great bar, waitresses in drindl type outfits) vs. 5 star dining upstairs in the Maisonette.

Never realized they closed. My father-in-law refused to go out to any other establishments when he was in town visiting the grandkids. Very nice for us.

[Michigan Muskie]

Never got to go there, but always hear LaNormandie and The Maisonette in the same sentence? Was LaNormandie a section of the restaurant or something?

LaNormandie was the lower level (underground) bar and grill companion to the Maisonette. It was the Cheers of Cincinnati. They shared a multi-level kitchen and, of course, the same ownership.

Although LaNormandie wasn't cheap, it was far more affordable than dining upstairs. Yet, there was little (if any) drop in quality. The menus were not the same - LaNormandie was known for chops, steaks and salads, while The Maisonette was truly a fine-dining experience.

I thought the food at LaNormandie was spectacular. As an employee, I got to enjoy meals for $1 during shift breaks. Best deal ever!

[Michigan Muskie]

She fell in love with the creamy garlic house dressing, but then again, who didn't? (I actually got the recipe from one of the Comisars well after they closed down.)

Care to share that recipe??

I need to dig it up actually. I tried to make it the day I got the recipe but I screwed up one of the quantities and threw off the balance. I haven't tried it again since then and that was about 4 or 5 years ago. If I can find it, I'll PM you.

[waggy]

You didn't get this recipe from Xeus did you?

[muskienick]

I have to think this is what Falk had in mind since he first opened Boca in Northside. The original Boca was somewhat pricey. The Oakley version took on even more "east side" entree prices. And now David can take it to the ultimate pricing level of the Maisonette. Seemingly, he'll have to if only to pay the rent and taxes (once the abatements run their course).

Fortunately for we Northwestsiders, when Falk abandoned Northside for Oakley, we got a great replacement in Honey. But with our luck, Shoshonna will move Honey to Oakley in Boca's old place!

[paulxu]

LaNormandie was the lower level (underground) bar and grill companion to the Maisonette. It was the Cheers of Cincinnati. They shared a multi-level kitchen and, of course, the same ownership.

Although LaNormandie wasn't cheap, it was far more affordable than dining upstairs. Yet, there was little (if any) drop in quality. The menus were not the same - LaNormandie was known for chops, steaks and salads, while The Maisonette was truly a fine-dining experience.

I thought the food at LaNormandie was spectacular. As an employee, I got to enjoy meals for $1 during shift breaks. Best deal ever!

Great prime rib and profiteroles. Friends use to drive all the way from Indy on the weekends just for that desert. Wish I could remember our favorite waitress' name Michigan. You might know her. But long (really long) time ago. 20+years.

[Michigan Muskie]

Great prime rib and profiteroles. Friends use to drive all the way from Indy on the weekends just for that desert. Wish I could remember our favorite waitress' name Michigan. You might know her. But long (really long) time ago. 20+years.

My guess is either Pat or Mary Lou. Those two were often available by request only. I'm not much of a dessert guy, but I was a sucker for their creme brulee with cafe l'amour.