Veteran restauranteurs Antoine Blech and Anshu Vidyarthi will open Le Penguin in Westport at the end of July. After enjoying tremendous success in Greenwich for the past three years, the partners (who also own Le Poodle in Old Greenwich) have decided to open a second location. Prior to joining forces in Greenwich, the two men had quite illustrious careers. Antoine’s includes such esteemed restaurants as Spago, L’Orangerie, Le Bec Fin, Le Bilboquet, Le Comptoir, Le Colonial, and Orienta which he co-owned in Manhattan. Anshu’s includes Los Angeles’ infamous The Ivy, Brentwood Bar & Grill The Olive as well as the landmark location of Le Colonial in New York. In 2003, Anshu delighted guests as Director of Operations of l'Escale in Greenwich.
For those not yet familiar with the menu at Le Penguin one can expect fine traditional French bistro fare with a farm to table approach. Local seasonal ingredients only heighten the quintessential bistro experience. Diners can count on such favorites as escargots, Frisee au Largons, Steak Tartare, Steak Frites, Soupe a l’oignon, Coq au Vin, Tarte tatin, Steak au Poivre and Salade Nicoise among many other menu selections. “The restaurant experience is much more than the food. It is about the ambiance,” Antoine told me. “We have cheerful restaurants. We like to make everyone feel happy. We even sing Happy Birthday to our guests.” (Something to keep in mind if you prefer your Big Day to slide under the radar!) “The decor is happy
