There have been periodic nods to French culture as glimpsed in downtown New Albany in recent years, primarily through Bastille Day observances, first at the late, lamented Bistro New Albany, and later at Bank Street Brewhouse during Chef Josh's tenure.
Speaking in broad American terms, there always seems to be a higher level of consumer resistance to Gallic language and culture, and I do not exclude myself from this observation. German and Slavic regions have proved more to my taste. Perhaps it is the language, or more likely the historical baggage, although I hasten to add that I've never once had a bad experience travelling in France, even in the much-reviled capital, Paris.
For all these reasons, it is both amazing and encouraging that Louis Retailleau chose New Albany's reviving downtown as the site of his Louis Le Francais restaurant. As you might expect, he's a wine-first kind of guy, but open to outside encouragement, as emanating from my friend Tim "Starlight Distribution" Eads. In short, a beer dinner is being planned for March, and you can learn more about it here:
Advance notice: Beer dinner and Alsatian choucroute garnie at the Frenchman's.
Genuine Alsatian choucroute in New Albany? Am I dreaming?
