Briefly noted is the opening of Petite Jacqueline in their new location at Market and Milk streets where owners Michelle and Steve Corry reconfigured their Portland Patisserie into two spaces.  The café is ramped down significantly, but the great pastries from pastry chef Catherine Cote-Eliot are served at both the café and the restaurant.  The rest of the space is devoted fully to dining, and the look is chic and divine.

PJ’s new look at the bar and at table

You wouldn’t recognize it from the original café space since the long room is now chock-a-block with white-clothed banquettes and tables with the fabulous floor to ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque cobblestone portal of the Portland Regency across the street.

We arrived late a few nights ago, and lots of PJ habitués from the old place on Longfellow Square were dining at the bar; most of the tables were full too with large parties.  The wait staff has changed also, with a mix of handsomely bearded waiters and good-looking waitresses.

Comfortable seating at the bar and tables overlooking the classic Old Port setting

We ordered an excellent charcuterie platter with cheeses and salumi and enjoyed a classic quiche served with a salad.  Though my friends weren’t that hungry, I opted for a big bowl of boeuf bourguignon.  It’s set in a deep- brown gravy, with potatoes and carrots.  It was a reputable version of this classic.  Though when the summer finally sizzles a less heavy entrée should be on the menu.

Charcuterie board and quiche with salad

Speaking of which the menu is basically the same: French inspired and neatly presented by chef Alex Morgan; that night chef Corry was in the kitchen too.

A few changes on the menu include the fish filet, which is now cooked in parchment and the beloved roast chicken, skate wings and a duck confit make appearances.  There are daily specials including a lobster roll on Fridays, duck breast on Saturdays and steak au poivre on Sundays.

Classic boeuf bourguignon

When the Corry’s were looking for a new space they tried to find one with parking.  That’s not easily done in Portland, and street parking is a challenge in the Old Port—though no worse than Longfellow Square where it’s nearly impossible to park as if the cars had lifetime leases.  During the week it might be easier to land a spot on the less traveled Milk Street.  But on weekends, ramp up your Uber account to get there easily.

The restaurant is great looking and has a certain modern Frenchified sparkle that’s sure to appeal to Portland’s roving gastronomes. Along with the patisserie (with its own space and entrance on Milk Street), they’re open all day serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Petite Jacqueline, 46 Market St., Portland, ME 207-663-7044  www.bistropj.com

Rating: excellent vibe, space and food

Ambiance: cool and collected

Service: very good and attentive

Parking: street

$$$: moderately expensive