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The reception area features a bleached-walnut desk designed by Patrick Sutton. Photo: Richard Powers
The reception area features a bleached-walnut desk designed by Patrick Sutton. Photo: Richard Powers

The reception area features a bleached-walnut desk designed by Patrick Sutton. Photo: Richard Powers

In Monarque's cozy lounge, guests can enjoy drinks and view the stage. Photo: Richard Powers
In Monarque's cozy lounge, guests can enjoy drinks and view the stage. Photo: Richard Powers

In Monarque's cozy lounge, guests can enjoy drinks and view the stage. Photo: Richard Powers

The marble-topped bar is illuminated by fanciful fixtures. Photo: Richard Powers
The marble-topped bar is illuminated by fanciful fixtures. Photo: Richard Powers

The marble-topped bar is illuminated by fanciful fixtures. Photo: Richard Powers

French Connection

The curtain rises on a Charm City bistro

French Connection - Patrons longing for live entertainment and a festive meal can now head to Monarque in Baltimore’s Harbor East.

This French-style steakhouse and cabaret opened on October 26, following covid safety guidelines. It is serving up prime dry-aged steaks, cheeses and French wines—along with a regular roster of comedians, poets, jazz bands and small theater performances.

Baltimore designer Patrick Sutton masterminded the 135-table restaurant’s décor, taking inspiration from classic French burlesque venues. “The idea,” he explains, “was to transport diners to Paris to make them feel as though they’re escaping for a couple of hours for dinner and a show.” Moody and mysterious interiors feature a reception area with a bleached-walnut desk of Sutton’s design; a cozy lounge where guests can enjoy drinks and view the stage from armchairs upholstered in moss-green leather or mohair; and a long, marble-topped bar illuminated by fanciful fixtures.

Executive chef Marc Hennessy’s menu focuses on raw-bar delicacies such as the Grand Plateau—a tower of Maine lobster, oysters, shrimp and Alaskan king crab; French mainstays including foie gras, escargot and onion soup; and an array of steaks and other tempting entrées.

French Connection - 505 S. Exeter Street, 443-384-1480. monarquebaltimore.com

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