Rick’s Casablanca is alive and well at on the corner of Bowery & Houston. Cherche Midi is French/American (homage to Odeon), boisterous and intriguing – a silver-haired character from Mad Men orders martinis from the scrum behind the lucky few diners at the bar. Seats do clear as reservations rotate. And when your does, meet Francois (goateed French barkeep) and watch who spills in through the industrial front doors. Lit like a jewel, open kitchen full of pros, bar staff of French men like the start of your next story – you won’t be bored here.   The food is modern French  – that is to say, excellent though a little heavy.