Feast For the Eyes: Downtown Eatery Provides Fusion of Parisian Culinary and Creative Arts

Located three blocks from the 1 train at 85 MacDougal St. (between Bleecker and Houston streets) on the Lower East Side, the French-American bistro Camaje uses its décor to transport its patrons to quaint Parisian side streets, but manages to retain the flavor of the neighborhood.

In the summer, the bistro transforms into a cafe, filling the small, sunny street with intimate outdoor tables. Winter windows become open French doors merging the dark burgundy interior with the gray pavement and sunshine of the outdoors.

Unfortunately, February days are too cold to enjoy long afternoons at an outdoor cafe. While the interior appears haphazard and antiquated, fabric-covered couches with oversized pillows and throw blankets in muted colors fill the restaurant. The floor tiles hail from 50 years ago, showing burgundy and white geometric patterns.

There are no more than 12 tables in the restaurant, seating only two people each. It looks and feels like your grandparent’s dual-purpose living room/dining room with Ragù-colored walls, horizontally oriented mirrors, tin boxes restraining fake flowers in plastic vases, and wrought iron wall sconces. Among the perfectly geometric yet incredibly chaotic permanent wall fixtures sit beautiful and crisp photographs of wildlife, coniferous forests, and mountains.

I asked my waiter, Sam, about the photographs. He told me that Camaje supports local artists—the photographer is a Lower East Side resident who spent time in New Zealand photographing. Sam then told me that all of the hanging photographs are on sale, but, as he said, “they cost a pretty penny.” The featured artwork changes every six months, letting at least two local artists display their work every year.

While the food is relatively lackluster (my lamb stew was good, but not memorable), Camaje makes good use of what it’s got. It shoots for French, but lands somewhere close to French-inspired American. Its décor tries for cafe, but ends up somewhere closer to bistro. Hints of its American roots give it a flavor that is eclectic and enjoyable.

Local artists’ works seem out of place but against the backdrop of other out-of-place decorations, they stand out enough to appeal to potential buyers.
Camaje is just one example of the many dining establishments looking to local art for a unique, New York-centric design. While success for those pursuing art as a career (or even an involved hobby) may seem out of reach, Camaje suggests that aspiring artists have ever-increasing access to exposure, beginning just around the corner at their neighborhood bistro.

Elyssa Goldberg is a Columbia College first-year. Feast for The Eyes runs on alternate Fridays.