Chef Jean-robert De Cavel Brings Fusion Cuisine To Cincinnati

CINCINNATI-Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, along with partners Marilyn and Martin Wade, are announcing the opening of their newest restaurant, Pho Paris, Thursday, August 19, 2004.

de Cavel and his wife Annette, with longtime friend Mary Lj, had discussed the possibility of collaboration over many dinners at her family's Vietnamese restaurant, Song Long. Several months ago de Cavel called Mary with the news that he had found the perfect location in Oakley. "Mary and I are excited that Pho Paris is now a reality," says de Cavel.

The menu, created by Chef de Cavel and Cuc Lj, chef /owner of Song Long, includes Pho, the traditional Vietnamese soup served with flat noodles and vegetables, available in beef, chicken, and vegetarian. Appetizers such as foie gras spring rolls and steamed mussels in lemongrass coconut milk are examples of the fusion cuisine.

Main courses include: sea scallops in a curry sauce with Hanoi vegetables and shrimp chips; sea bass with grapefruit ginger beurre blanc; duck with tamarind and peppercorn glaze; and filet of beef with herbed hollandaise with a black peppercorn sauce.

The full service bar at Pho Paris offers premium liquor and imported beer, including "33," a Vietnamese beer. The wine list features over 100 selections with an emphasis on French and Pacific Rim wines chosen by Gary Boswell, sommelier at Jean-Robert at Pigall's and Jeff Hickenlooper, Pho Paris general manager.

Chef de Cuisine is Jared Whalen, sous chef is Roy Silcott. Both have worked and trained in the kitchen at Jean-Robert at Pigall's. Pastry chef is Paige Groen and the management team at Pho Paris is Mary Lj and Jeff Hickenlooper.

Pho Paris is located at 3235 Madison Road, in Oakley. Pho Paris serves dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The bar opens daily at 4:00 p.m. Menu prices range from $6.50 to $27.00

Pho Paris is non-smoking in its entirety. Reservations are suggested. For more information, please call (513) 871-1234.

Jean-Robert de Cavel is the chef/owner of Jean-Robert at Pigall's, the critically acclaimed and award-winning fine dining restaurant and JeanRo bistro, both are located in downtown Cincinnati.