Tournesol
(718) 472-4355
50-12 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City,
NY
11101
40.7426
-73.9544
Neighborhood: Hunters Point
What People Are Saying About Tournesol
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
With its wicker sidewalk tables and floor-to-ceiling French doors, Tournesol brings a Left Bank flair just this side of the East River. Inside, it's a typical, tin-ceiling floor-through bistro, with a service bar to one side and matted Art Nouveau prints on cheery yellow walls. Local workers and curious city folks fill the long banquettes, nibbling on tiny olives and charred, chewy bread.
The Food
This is how your Gallic grandmother would cook for you. Friendly French servers (who think they speak English better than they do) describe the reasonably priced menu and daily specials: Nothing's too elaborate, but most everything is fresh and satisfying. Skip the frisee salad--the lardons, egg and croutons are over-cooked--and dive into a rich, thyme-heavy duck liver-Muscat paté, offset by sweet, caramelized chutney. Wine-braised beef cheeks are comfort on a plate, as are crispy-skinned roast cod, creamy cauliflower gratin and grilled scallions. Vanilla-flecked creme brulee is outstanding.
User Reviews
Anonymous
December 10, 2008
This little restaurant tucked in the middle of the block, across from a little park, is a wonderful place for bistro-type dining in Hunter's Point/Long Island City. The owner and staff are fresh from France and take pride in their wine list, as well as their entrees. The atmosphere is truly French, with art-trimmed walls and lovely dining music. It is not too expensive either, considering it's a French restaurant. Enjoy yourself at Lunch or Dinner during the week, with an additional Brunch menu on the weekends.
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eetoutnyc
September 23, 2008
Uhrg....the food wasn't bad, but seriously, the service?!?! I have been twice with my girlfriend and both times, the host was flirting with her so inappropriately it really annoyed the hell out of me and made the meal uncomfortable. He would stand there and stare at her across the restaurant thinking he was being cool and subtle but it came off as being totally offensive. She wasn't impressed either. Take my advice Tournesol, be charming to both people in a couple becuase generally it's the guy who is paying for the meal.
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LKYoung
April 18, 2008
Arrived half an hour early with my daughter as part of a party of 14 with a reservation for 8:00 PM. The tables that we would occupy were empty and they were not reseating waiting for our party. It was Friday evening, the end of a long day and a long week. Had been in my pumps since 7:00 AM. I asked if I could sit. "No." They would not seat me until all 14 had arrived. The tiny restaurant had two seats at the bar, both occupied. I promised the owner that my daughter and I would eat, even if the other 12 never showed up. He laughed. I'm sure that he thought that he was being charming. It was 8:20 by the time the entire party was assembled. Over those 50 minutes, I asked a total of three times to be allowed to sit down, and was refused three times. Again, for the entire 50 minutes, I was standing next to the empty tables which they had indicated would be for our party. The owner and waiters ignored me, but could not help jostling me as they went about their work, as the restaurant is tiny with no separate space to wait. The evening was cool, and I was unfamiliar with the neighborhood, so I waited. At 8:20, angry, exhausted and humiliated I was allowed to sit. The food was very good, but it sat like a rock in my churning stomach. This man should be a caterer and never allowed near living, breathing customers.
read full reviewThe Details on Tournesol
What to Drink:
With just a few wines by the glass and small pours, you'd do better to order from the short but smart wine list, which offers many good bargains under $30.
