Chow Fun Food Group Maestro John Elkhay to Transform
XO Steakhouse into French Brasserie Café Noir

Providence, RI – November 18, 2008 – XO Steakhouse, which set a culinary precedent when it burst onto the Providence dining scene nearly 12 years ago as the first restaurant in Rick and Cheryl Bready’s and John Elkhay’s acclaimed Chow Fun Food Group, will undergo a transformation in late November and reopen as Café Noir, a brasserie and bar offering a modern and casual twist on classic French cooking.  XO will close after dinner service on Sunday, November 23rd and reopen on December 1st.

“After twelve years as one of the premier dining destinations in Providence, we are excited to finish XO’s successful chapter and begin a new one for our guests,” said John Elkhay, Maestro, Chow Fun Food Group.  “My early years in the kitchen were spent cooking classic French food, and through my travels to Paris, I have a collection of wonderful recipes that will not only bring my career full circle, but provide Rhode Island’s discerning palates with a new option for casual, elegant, and affordable dining.”

While the restaurant will not undergo a major renovation, guests will feel as thought they’ve stepped into classic French neighborhood bistro at Café Noir.  Servers will welcome guests with a “passport” stamp on their table’s butcher paper, preparing them for their trip through France as they admire such design elements as black lacquered walls; gilded tin ceiling; custom-made French lace café curtains and linens; banquettes adorned in rich, bold animal

prints in shades of black, white, and brown with vibrant accent pillows; vintage crystal chandeliers purchased from the finest Paris flea markets; aged gilded mirrors and chalkboards; decoupage interior poles, featuring new and antique French wine labels; and an eclectic collection of Parisian artwork, including vintage Paris restaurant menus and postcards. Guests will also have the opportunity to contribute to the décor by inscribing their wine corks with messages and adding them to the glass apothecary jar on the bar.  Corks will then be added to Noir’s scrapbook, which will be prominently displayed in the dining room.

The comfortable design will invite guests to relax and unwind as they savor simple yet elegant food that features the freshest ingredients prepared in classic French style, perfect for a special occasion or a quiet night out.  XO’s executive chef Ben Lloyd will remain as chef for Café Noir, executing a selection of inspired French classics.

“Our menu will feature some personal French favorites from my early years in the kitchen as well as classic and hearty peasant dishes,” continued Elkhay.  “The quality of ingredients will remain uncompromised and their flavors will only be enhanced by Chef Lloyd’s execution.”

Hors d’oeuvres, priced under $8.00, will feature classic French Onion Soup Gratinee; Chicken Liver & Foie Gras Mousse with onion confit and grilled country bread; and Moules Mariniere with garlic, shallots, white wine, and garlic aioli.

“Salades” will include Belgian Endive with pear, Roquefort cheese, and champagne vinaigrette; Asparagus with prosciutto, poached egg, and shaved parmesan; and Roasted Beet with toasted walnuts, crispy shallots, and raspberry vinaigrette; while sandwiches will feature Le Hamburger with a choice of chevre or aged cheddar cheese and Toasted Ham & Gruyere Cheese, both served with pommes frites, and all priced under $10.00.

At less than $20.00, “Plats Principaux” will feature Pork Tenderloin with herbs de Provence and eggplant gratin; slow cooked Lamb Shank with mushroom Bolognese; Bar Steak with pommes frites and maitre d’hotel butter; Scallops with vegetable tian and fennel anchoiade; and Chicken “Monet” with bacon, cipollini onions, and potato gnocchi.

Guests can also look forward to Café Noir’s “Les Plats du Jour,” which will feature an array of specials including Pork Milanese with arugula, tomato, and roasted peppers; Roasted Veal Breast with spinach, mushrooms, and pine nuts; and Braised Short Ribs with pommes puree.
Side dishes include Pommes Frites Deluxe with parmesan truffle essence, Eggplant Gratin, and Hericot Vert with noisette, while “Fromage” selections feature classic French styles including Fourme d’Ambert, Camembert, and Roquefort.
Finally, a selection of housemade desserts will feature Warm Chocolate Cake with peppermint ice cream; Apple Tart Tartin with crème fraiche ice cream; Chocolate Pots de Crème; and Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with caramel sauce.
Café Noir is located at 125 North Main Street in Providence, and will be open Sunday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. with the bar open late.  For reservations, please call 401-273-9090.  Visit XO steakhouse on the web at www.cafenoirri.com.