The upcoming neo-French bistro is Couvreur's second stateside location following the South Florida debut of his pastry shop at Julia & Henry's. Set to open in January, the chef tells New Times that he aims to make refined, elegant pastries and savory items available all day, offering patrons the French concept of petit plaisirs — small daily pleasures — to all.
But don't mistake all day as blasé. During a recent interview, Couvreur emphasized a desire to share the elegance and refinement found in France in an approachable way. Elevated fare, according to him, shouldn't be reserved for special occasions; they should be something everyone can enjoy on a daily basis.
Shaped by his background in prestigious kitchens and ateliers across Paris and beyond, his experience in the world of baking is based on approaching pastries with a savory mindset — emphasizing seasonality and local ingredients. Described as luxurious yet approachable, Couvreur's cooking aims to provide the same level of excellence and attention to detail he acquired during his time in Michelin-starred restaurants but in a more accessible manner.
Yann Couvreur and a fox, the symbol he uses recurrently throughout the company's branding and dish themes.
Photo by Nicolas Buisson
In an effort to test out the French concept of small daily delights in Miami, Couvreur opened a shop at Julia and Henry's in downtown Miami earlier this year, offering a taste of his elegant pastries to learn more about local preferences.
"The response from Miamians has been positive, with an appreciation for sweet treats that strike the right balance — not overly sweet but flavorful," shares Couvreur, who tinkers his offerings to cater to local tastes.
Couvreur plans to bring his expertise in savory dishes to the menu, offering a menu with breakfast, lunch, and all-day options. The bistro will feature items available at the counter for takeout or sit-down with table service. Signature items include a vitello tonnato-inspired tarte, a French spin on eggs Benedict, and a made-to-order mille-feuille finished tableside. Simultaneously, plans are underway to open another location in Coconut Grove, focusing on a fast-casual operation that is set to open in the second half of 2024.
"This is a harvest of many years of work, and we can't wait to see how Miamians will perceive and welcome us. Our ultimate goal is to bring the charm of France into Wynwood," sums up Couvreur. "We want people, when they walk in, to unwind, be present, and experience a little charm. It doesn’t need to be a fancy trip or an extravagance; it can be a daily pleasure, or as we say in France, a plaisir quotidien."
Yann Couvreur. 2243 NW Second Ave., Miami; yanncouvreur.us. Opening January 2024.
