The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1216617
FAUBOURG BY A B BY M O NTA N E Z | P H OTO G R A P HY BY P E T E R B O N AC C I The first restaurant for two Daniel Boulud alums, Montclair makes way for seasonal French cuisine with a relaxed attitude. rench cuisine has spent decades underneath silver cloches, surviving amidst culinary trends and modern applications desired by many American diners today. France's longtime domination in fine dining has been defined by decadence, tradition and technique, which is why this nostalgic genre still satisfies those in search of a quintessential night out. I couldn't help but wonder though if it would ever subvert these sorts of stereotypes—and better yet, would the French want it to? e answer aer visiting Faubourg in Montclair, is yes. Backed by two hospitality veterans, Dominique Paulin and Olivier Muller, Faubourg marks the first foray in restaurant ownership for both of the Frenchmen—who have each spent the past 20 years working under one of the world's most prolific restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud. Paulin, who now resides in Essex Fells, started formulating a plan over two years ago to open Faubourg and recruited Muller, a longtime friend and coworker, to join him. Since its debut in June 2019, Faubourg has lured Montclair-goers in droves. "Our intention was not to do a fine dining restaurant," said Muller, who is the executive chef in addition to co-owner. It was with this in mind that he and Paulin, who's in charge of all things front-of-house, decided to bring a brasserie concept to Bloomfield Ave. e décor was envisioned to be modern and stylish—with help from Brooklyn architect Craig Shillito—and the menus, approachable. "A French brasserie is where people come in to dine, meet friends—it's very much like when you go to a faubourg. In France, a faubourg is a place where you can visit that has all these little shops and restaurants. It feels like Montclair," explained Muller. e pair opened their restaurant as an homage to that type of French suburb with the same name. is is not the first establishment, however, to serve up French classics in a bistro setting—even in our area. But what Faubourg has done with its food and overall space is what makes it feel fresh and exciting. And also what you'd expect from two Daniel Boulud alums. FAUBOURG A True Taste of France V U E N J . C O M 107