Cavey's French Restaurant Closing [Has reopened]

[Earle]

Just a note found in the local paper, that Cavey's French Restaurant is closing for the sumer due to renovation . They say they will open again in the fall, no time table has been set..

[FoodieJim]

Ate downstairs two weeks ago. Yes, Andre is back! We had a nice chat. He continued to work upstairs a few nights a week during the hiatus, but from the gist of the conversation, it was a long (and perhaps difficult) summer for him. Great to see him ruling the roost downstairs on the weekends. (He does not work every night). The menu has been pared down. Fewer choices, with a mix of "classic" French and more approachable (to some) bistro fare. Do not expect wholesale changes in the decor. The chairs have been recovered and there have been some alterations in the lighting. But all in all, it is very similar in style, including the red salon that serves as the private dining area. No changes to the wine cellar or wine list either, which is a relief. For the record, I had the Beef Bourgogne which was featured on the "homage to Julia" menu. It was wonderful.

[kattyeyes]

Cavey's French is back in biz following their renovations. Here is a link to the article about it in the "Small Bites" section of today's Hartford Courant. Some quick info from it:

<<Cavagnaro said their menu includes classic French dishes including foie gras, coq au vin and rack of lamb and specialty "Homage to Julia Child" classics like roast duck Provençal, lobster bisque, tarte tatin and cassoulet. Entrees start at $22.>>

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/...

P.S. to Earle: No hard feelings, I hope--I've asked the mods to remove "closing" from your original post so it doesn't deter people who find this thread from trying Cavey's. :)

[Meesch70]

Thanks for the news!

[chowmensch]

Katty: Is there any indication that Andre is back?

[kattyeyes]

No idea, but you should ring up the restaurant and ask. I'd think they'd be tickled people were asking for this man, the embodiment of service at Cavey's. ;)

Now if only the mods would remove the word "closing" from this thread's title...Earle, if you read this, maybe if you ask, they'll comply.

Anyone who gets to Cavey's first and reports back wins a prize. Ready, go!

[Scargod]

That's interesting news. I forgot that I had wanted to try the Italian restaurant upstairs. I think I'm on an Italian kick at the moment.

[Earle]

I'm glad to hear that they have reopened, Sorry about the confusion about them closing. But I did write in the post that they were closing for renovations. As I live in Manchester, there was a lot of talk among the local people that they might not reopen Hence the Banner on the original post.. But to all ,all is well. Thanks to all the information from the concerned posters and I hope this dispels all doubts about them reopening.. Earle

[Scargod]

No apologies needed AFAIAC. Did the bar and Italian "upstairs restaurant" stay open during the remodeling below?

[kattyeyes]

It should be noted that the Italian portion of Cavey's remains open per the same article Earle mentioned. I hate to think a post like this could possibly drive people AWAY from Cavey's when it's still alive and kickin' on the main floor.

To clarify Earle's post above, here is a link to the article in The Hartford Courant in which their renovation plans were mentioned:

"Cavey's, 45 East Center St., Manchester, is getting ready for a makeover, or at least part of it is. The French restaurant portion will be getting a kitchen makeover and will close Saturday and reopen in the fall. The Italian restaurant will remain open while the work is being done."

http://www.courant.com/features/food/hc-alacarte0625.artjun25,0,5084442.story

Edit: Here are additional details I received in an e-mail from Cavey's yesterday:

<<NOTES FROM CAVEY'S

TO ALL OUR LOYAL PARTONS:

OUR ITALIAN RESTAURANT WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 29TH, FOR KITCHEN RENOVATIONS
WE WILL REOPEN ON TUESDAY, JULY 7TH.

OUR FRENCH RESTAURANT WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER FOR KITCHEN RENOVATIONS AND WILL REOPEN IN THE FALL

...STAY TUNED FOR OUR REOPENING DATE...
(OR CHECK OUR WEBSITE:www.caveysrestaurant.com FOR MORE INFO.)>>

[sodagirl]

The staff of the French ...including the maitre d and the sous chef...both 30 year employees were told that they were no longer employed.

Plans seem to be heading towards a bistro style redo of the entire facility...other new local restaurants seem to have caught their attention.

Still a great restaurant when on their game but my soft shell crab last week was severley overseasoned...on mesclum with no sauce or dressing...a confusing dish... Italian has lost identity and has confused people...a long long way from Italian in any form..north or south.

[chrism23]

Oh no. You have just ruined my day. There was just a long thread here on Cavey's. The downstairs maitre d', Andre, was an institution, a real gentleman, who will be sorely missed. As to Cavey's French restaurant, it too will be missed. It was always so welcoming, elegant and comfortable. I guess this is another sign of the times. Its a shame.

[thos]

Well, it's hard to believe they have been at it for 60-70 years with no major changes. I personally have not noticed any fall off in quality of food or service, though no place is perfect every time out. Maybe the redo will get them focused and "on their game" again.

[FoodieJim]

I have no idea whether this is the case in this instance, but many times when a business such as a restaurant closes for renovations, the employees are "let go" so that they can collect unemployment benefits during the hiatus, with every intention of hiring them back again once the business re-opens. For all those working downstairs, let's hope that there is something in their future, in whatever capacity, once the re-do is complete.