When they see it, New York foodies will likely recognize the fanciful gold, green and black logo -- a basket filled with bread and wine -- that decorates the windows on the east side of First Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets. That's because it looks like the paintings that decorate the inside of French favorite Bistro 61. A coincidence? Not at all, as the logo belongs to Marche du Sud, a new gourmet French market, bakery, restaurant and wine bar from Adil Fawzi, Jon Goldstein and Anthony Raggiri, the owners of Bistro 61. When it opens this fall, Marche du Sud promises to pepper New York's Upper East Side with a distinctly Parisian feel, and we have the inside scoop on how it is all coming together, courtesy of the partners themselves, who recently took us on the first in a series of tours showcasing their new space.

Marche du Sud, French for "South Market," is a name that suits perfectly both the space and the cuisine that's served inside it. After all, Fawzi, a native of Casablanca, and Raggiri, a native of Marsailles, have both studied at some of the top culinary schools in France, including La Cadennelle, Le Lycee Rene Auffray and Maxim's School. What's more, both have learned from such luminaries as Rick Laakonen, of River Café fame, and Frank Chapentier, a multiple Michelin-starred chef. Considering those roots, Marche du Sud's Southern French focus is no surprise. Its scope, however, is -- Marche du Sud will be a fine French gourmet shop and restaurant, complete with a bakery, full-service wine bar and charcuterie. Of course, it's a welcome surprise, as it promises to provide an elegant alternative to the Upper East Side's predominantly Italian offerings. "We aim to be the Upper East Side's ultimate French gourmet market restaurant concept, with homemade Southern French epicurean delicacies for dining at the restaurant or taking home," Fawzi told us. A welcome addition to the neighborhood, the restaurant sits in the former L'ybane space at 1136 First Avenue, which is in the midst of a complete makeover. Gone is the dark downtown club-hopping feeling of the building's former tenant. In its place will be a lighter, airy and more open spot that's equal parts casual and chic. One thing that won't change, though, are the two sets of floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows that overlook the avenue, providing natural light that complements perfectly the restaurant's airy open feel.