Chicago’s Best French Bites Right Now
Though Bastille Day (or Fête Nationale as it is formally referred to in French), began from a revolutionary history, it now symbolizes the unity of the French people and is celebrated throughout the country with military parades, including one down the famed Champs-Élysées in Paris. Here in our home city, French restaurants and chefs across Chicago will also be celebrating… with food! Whether you’re specifically dining for the holiday, this week on Wednesday, July 14, or are always on the hunt for an amazing French meal, these are the places to visit in Chicago:
Mon Ami Gabi {multiple locations}: Celebrate France’s National Day with dessert straight from Paris! We can all have a taste of la belle vie with Mon Ami Gabi’s Trio of Profiteroles filled with blueberry sorbet, vanilla and strawberry ice cream (above) on July 14. It’s ONLY available for the holiday for dine-in reservations so don’t miss out!
Marchesa {535 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.527.9535}: Come to Marchesa all year for their excellent comfort food dishes and exquisite champagne menu, but come especially this week for their Bastille Day celebrations! They have a special prix fixe menu with delicious dishes like Duck Terrine and Coq au Vin & Monkfish available from Wednesday, July 14 to Saturday, July 17, plus live music on Wednesday for a more official Bastille Day celebration. Cheers to that!
Chez Moi
Chez Moi {2100 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 773.871.2100}: One of the best parts of French cuisine is that it can be both high-end gastronomy, or very accessible, simply delicious foods for the every day. Chez Moi makes BOTH those meals possible, with a menu that includes Pan-Seared Foie Gras and New York Strip au Poivre as well as simpler bites like French Onion Soup.
Le Sud {2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985}: Le Sud is always a lovely spot for Mediteranean cuisine, but especially so this weekend! They’re offering a special charcuterie and wine pairing from Wednesday, July 14 to Sunday, July 18 in honor of the national holiday in France. The platter will feature délice de Bourgogne, saucisson sec, peach mostarda, black walnuts and honeycomb, along with a baguette and a bottle of Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Rouge 2018. Perfect for sharing with your date or ordering for the table as a starter!
Le Colonial {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}: For a more unique taste of French cuisine, Le Colonial serves up heart-warming feasts for the eyes in a truly stunning interior. We talk about them a lot, and we won’t stop! Their 1920’s French Colonial dishes with Southeast Asian twists are not-to-miss, whether you want a classic pho or their signature Ca Chien Saigon (crispy whole red snapper).
Venteux
Venteux Brasserie {224 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.777.9003}: A new addition to the Chicago food scene, Venteux is the culinary adventure of Chef Donald Young, the city’s youngest Michelin-starred chef. It is a French brasserie at its heart, but also houses a swanky oyster and Champagne bar for when we all want to get a little fancy. It’s an Instagram-er and food fiends French dream! Add it to your must-try list ASAP.
Vanille {multiple locations}: Any good celebration needs a decadent dessert - and in Chicago, that means a stop at Vanille! They have custom cakes, macarons and cookies for Bastille Day 2021, but they can also make custom treats for ANY important day, special occasion or holiday you want to make delicious. Or, you can always stop in for their classic macarons any day you need a pick-me-up ;)
Robert et Fils {4229 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.687.9179}: Nothing says “summertime relaxation” like an amazing meal on a patio! Robert e Fils has created a menu just for that occasion, giving Chicagoans a taste of the Parisian riverwalk with lighter “Parisian drinking fare” dishes, specifically suited for enjoying alongside a glass of wine or refreshing summer cocktail. Indulge in charcuterie boards, cheese plates, mussels, and more under the summer sun.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor