If you’ve driven down Butler Street in the past few months, there’s a chance pastel-colored decorations in the window former Tamari and Pan space have caught your attention.
These decorations are only the appetizer for a major renovation going on inside. For the past few months, prolific Pittsburgh restaurateur Richard DeShantz (Pork & Beans, Meat & Potatoes, Butcher and The Rye, and täkō) has been transforming the space into a French-inspired bistro.
Located at 3519 Butler Street, Poulet Bleu will be the fifth restaurant for the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, and their first outside of downtown Pittsburgh.
The restaurant will be an “American Bistro” with French influences, and is currently taking reservations starting February 6, 2018.
While Poulet Bleu will certainly have the same commitment to quality, flair, and originality as the other DeShantz restaurants, George Casalicchio, general manager at Poulet Bleu, says the atmosphere will be slightly different, given the location change.
The rest of the DeShantz restaurants are Downtown, perfectly poised for date nights or after work drinks. Poulet Bleu’s Lawrenceville location will lend itself to being more of a community restaurant.
There will be dishes with price points that cater to both casual appetizers with friends, as well as more elegant, celebratory meals. And while the official menu is yet to be announced, it will feature straight-forward French dishes, done really well.
“If people have dined in a bistro before, they are going to know the menu,” says Casalicchio.
Guests can expect dishes like escargot, and various steak-frites options. And, of course, there will also be a in-house pastry program, highlighting French desserts and breads.
When the restaurant first opens, it will be operating on the first floor of the building. The kitchen will be completely open, providing guests a chance to see the action in the kitchen. There will be seating for around 65 guests, including a banquette, bar, and bistro seats.
Guests also have the option to make a reservation at a special “kitchen table,” that will be a true front row seat to the cooking experience. Additionally, the building has a large front patio, lending itself to al fresco dining in warmer months.
Finally, being a DeShantz restaurant, Poulet Bleu has also put great care into the wine and cocktail program. Cecil Usher, beverage Director at the other DeShantz restaurants, will once again be leading the charge at Poulet Bleu.
Similar to the menu, the drinks will feature drinks that are familiar, but done in a high level way. Guests should expect to see drinks like the French 75, or 1920’s-esque classics. Wine will feature French bottles, as well as wines from other areas that have a French connection.
The restaurant really aims to be a community spot where guests can stop by for a drinks, small bites, or a full meal, and never get bored.
“We’re excited to be somewhere where we can really get into the community and get to know people,” says Casalicchio.
Poulet Bleu is currently taking reservations for early February, but keep an eye on their Instagram, Facebook, and website for an official opening date announcement, as well as a menu release.
Poulet Bleu (3519 Butler Street)
Mary Moses says
Had a sandwich from there at the open house on 31dst. Floor of PPG building #3. It was amazing. Can wait until it opens.