BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — An underground cocktail bar inspired by the private chambers of France's most decadent queen has opened its very secret doors in Brooklyn Heights.
Everything about Le Boudoir, as the new bar is known, appears to channel the opulence of 18th-century French aristocracy and the life led by Marie Antoinette, from plush red velvet seating to gilded mirrors and antique sconces.
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen
Le Boudoir can be accessed through a hidden door inside local French bistro Chez Moi at 135 Atlantic Ave. near Henry Street, according to a Thursday announcement from the husband-wife owners of both the bar and restaurant.
The entrance to the cocktail bar is disguised by a bookshelf — a replica of one that was found in Antoinette's library — through which guests can step down a flight of stairs into the underground lounge.
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen
"Marie Antoinette's spirit lives on at Le Boudoir in everything from the bathrooms that were designed as an exact replica of her private powder room, to an original engraved doorknob from her bedroom," says the announcement from Chez Moi's owners Tarek Debira and Patricia Ageheim, along with with partner Ali Mardassi.
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen
The 75-seat bar, designed in a Rococo-style of architecture, was inspired by the queen's chambers in Le Chateau de Versailles, where she entertained her closest friends.
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen
The bar will feature classic and unique cocktails crafted by beverage director Franky Marshall, whose past work includes Monkey Bar and The Dead Rabbit, and draft beer from a small bronze bust of the French queen that serves as a tap.
The beverages are all named in honor of Antoinette, such as "Guillotine" made with mezcal, scotch, banana and honey.
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen; collage by DNAinfo
Light snacks will also be served at Le Boudoir, including "Crisy Frog Legs," croquettes with truffled mushrooms.
Desserts such as chocolate mousse and créme brûlée are also mentioned in the announcement. (Though it's unclear whether there will be cake.)
Le Boudoir is open Sunday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. For reservations, call 347-227-8337 or go to www.chezmoiny.com.
