UPDATED: Josephine Debuts to Friends & Family This Weekend in Kenmore

First-time restaurant owner Samuel Gosselin is getting ready to show off his project: Josephine, Restaurant Parisien is hosting friends and family this weekend, BostInno reports.

The Parisian restaurant replaces Petit Robert Bistro at 468 Commonwealth Ave., which closed in March. Gosselin previously told Eater that after a career in telecommunications, he sought to create a culinary experience that combines aspects of places he's visited in San Francisco, New York, and Paris. He aims to emulate "casual environments where people are really focusing on quality of food and bringing a nice, warm atmosphere around what they like — which is food and wine," he said.

For wine, Josephine will offer an entirely French list. "I think Boston will appreciate a restaurant where you can come in and choose from Burgundy, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Jura, Provence, Loire Valley, and Cotes du Rhone. We’ll showcase the wide variety of wines that France can offer," Gosselin told Boston Magazine.

As previously reported, the new general manager is Bistro du Midi alum Sam Wolf. Stefano Quaresima, formerly executive chef at the South End location of Petit Robert, will be executive chef. Gosselin has also brought on Nick Oldham, previously sous chef at Eastern Standard, as chef de cuisine. The small menu includes French fare with "a twist, because food is international, and I'm bringing people in who will bring that kind of international flavor to a French menu," Gosselin said.

Expect dishes like Joues de Veau Braises — braised veal cheeks with a red wine & beet emulsion, celeriac fondue, potato, and ginger bread espuma; Le Dos de Cabillaud — pan-seared cod with pink pepper, cranberry bean fricassee, parsley sauce, and fumet; and Calamars Farcas — squid with hot merguez sausage, and crushed tomatoes.

Keep an eye on Josephine's Facebook and website for updates on the bistro's grand opening, which, according to BostInno, is slated for next week.

UPDATE, 6/15/15: Josephine will open to the public on Saturday, June 20.