Petite Jacqueline received 4 stars from today’s review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
At Petite Jacqueline, tables are close, portions are reasonable, service is casual and attentive, and food is consistently excellent. The traditional French fare may be regular sustenance to those across the Atlantic, but in Maine, cassoulet, foie gras, coq au vin and steak tartare expertly prepared in-house and served in a lively bistro atmosphere has added another welcome dimension to the city’s dining choices.
Still thinking about my delicious dinner at Petite Jacqueline! Portland needed a French bistro such as this! We started with a creamy foie gras (terrine) and giant chewy escargots in melted herb butter. Apps were served with a mini-baguette & butter. For our entrees, I had the crispy, roasted gnocchi w/ asparagus spears, and my friend enjoyed his mound of crispy seasoned shoestring fries and perfectly cooked, fanned steak (a popular dish around the room). For dessert, we shared the chocolate mousse, which was rich & creamy yet still felt light. The staff was very friendly, joyful & professional, as one would expect from the owners of Five Fifty-Five. The place was packed and did get rather loud. The bistro setting is a nice blend of casual (aluminum table & chairs, wine carafes) and formal (linen napkins, prices & reservations). I would definitely recommend reservations, otherwise you’ll wait close to an hour outside. There is little room inside and a tiny bar area.