in france, bagatelle is a game related to billiards, but here it translates to the name of the newest west village restaurant opening thursday.

new york needs another french resto like michael jackson needs plastic surgery. but before you judge, know this is a business actually run by french natives remi laba and aymeric clemente. they're two guys who really miss home, so they're bringing in normandy chef nicholas cantrel who sharpened his knife in the kitchens of alain ducasse and daniel boulud. the menu revives french classics with new flavor. warm asparagus salad gets a squeeze of blood orange, and ravioli are stuffed with truffled leeks. miss your paris apartment from your year abroad? re-live those memories at bagatelle. flickering candles and antiqued chandeliers are meant to mimic a true parisian flat.

do yourself a favor and bag a table here.