NEW HARLEM EATERY NUMBER 7: CHEZ LUCIENNE

Between the still lingering ill-perception of excessive crime and somewhat over-priced commercial retail demands, Harlem's dining scene has had its ups and downs over the years. With that in mind, we thought it would be appropriate to go over the newish establishment that were pioneers not so long ago and who have since helped change the dining scene in Harlem.

CHEZ LUCIENNE, 308 LENOX AVENUE BETWEEN 125TH AND 126TH

Harlem first authentic French Bistro debuted on Lenox Avenue in 2009 and paved the path for the new wave of better businesses that would arrive in the following years.  Prior to the arrival of Chez Lucienne, the blocks immediately north of 125th Street was only known for Sylvia's but most of the storefronts were rather run down or empty.  Some might have wondered if a fine dining establishment with a truly classic French interior would make sense this far north but the success of Chez Lucienne set the standard for many of the dining establishments that would arrive on Lenox in latter years.  Today over a dozen French establishments have now appeared in greater Harlem thanks to the success of Chez Lucienne.