There’s a lot to be said about F. Pigalle – the new fondue joint, Downtown on Fremont (in the space formerly occupied by Radio City Pizza) – and it’s all pretty great.  A collaboration between restaurateur Jeff Fine’s Lev Restaurant Group and Chef Sam Marvin; F. Pigalle is the realization of an idea that, “is all Sam,” according to Fine.  “He’s been dreaming this one up for more than 15 years.  Way before we met.  But upon hearing the concept, I was in love with it, and set-out to find a spot.”

Taking its cues from Le Refuge des Fondues – the bustling (yet decidedly lowbrow) Montmarte fondue joint that’s been packing folks in, for years – and its name from the cabaret-filled district, in Paris, dubbed “Pig Alley” by Allied soldiers; F. Pigalle has a menu that is brilliant for its brevity.  A menu that is so concise, in fact, that I’ll list it, in its entirety, forthwith: Traditional Suisse Cheese Fondue; RR ‘All Natural’ Steak Fondue; Spicy Wild Shrimp Fondue; Belgian Chocolate Fondue; and Hand-cut Fries.  That’s it.  Easy peasy!

Fondue is a blast.  It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s pretty damned hard to screw-up.  The only slightly shady outcome (that I’ve dubbed a “Fondon’t”) is if someone stops by your table, and you exchange pleasantries, only to realize that you’ve got a rivulet of Belgian Chocolate running-down your chin, as a result of being force-fed by an aggressive table-mate.  But otherwise, it’s virtually fool-proof!

Also, what better way to soak-up the libations imbibed, after a night of bar-hopping around the Fremont East district, than some authentic “frites” and/or some pound cake dipped in a cauldron of simmering Belgian Chocolate?

The décor is funky and cool, and the lighting-story flatters all who cross F. Pigalle’s threshold.  The mural on the wall is a multi-layered mélange of decoupage and graffiti; while the patio is festooned with vintage French skin mags and an assortment of chaises and fainting couches, as well as an absolutely lovely bar.

And speaking of the bar, the wine is served in baby bottles!  (So is Diet Coke, if you ask, nicely.)  Another tip of the beret to Le Refuge, where the proprietor cleverly sidestepped the mandated tax that is levied upon Parisian restaurants for serving wine in a stemmed glass.  And not for nothing, but if Las Vegas isn’t always on the lookout for more nipples, I don’t know where is!

The biggest difference between F. Pigalle and Le Refuge des Fondues?  Quality.  While there are many similarities (the graffiti-covered walls, the menu, the wine served in baby bottles) Fine and Marvin have opened a quality establishment, and that goes for everything from the accoutrements accompanying the fondues (whether the salami and pickled vegetables presented for dipping in the Suisse Cheese, or the fresh strawberries and cubes of pound cake for the Belgian Chocolate), to the swanky drinks, so generously poured, at the bar.

So, whether going for dinner, or just a little late-night revelry; I highly recommend F. Pigalle as a cool place to experience some good old joie de vivre!

F. Pigalle
Downtown Las Vegas
508 Fremont Street

Get into it!
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