Chez Moi
Many times French food gets tagged as either being either too high-class, too exotic, or both. However, if you’ve ever seen me furiously dive into a bowl of mussels and French fries at a restaurant you’ll see that it definitely doesn’t have to be high-class and who cares if it’s exotic if it’s absolutely delicious. A la Carte Chicago will try to demonstrate the wonders of French food this week.
Through a combination of prix fix menus and culinary events and demonstrations A la Carte Chicago is doing a great job at presenting the soul of French cuisine. Several restaurants across the city are participating is showing off the best of the French table from the food to its world-class wine.
Taste some mouthwatering wild boar ragu at Mon Ami Gabi, the quintessential coq au vin at Ristorante Angelina, a Provence roasted chicken at Fig and Olive, and even decadent chocolate hazelnut bars from Bistornomic. There are 21 participating restaurants that are offering prix fix meals that range between $33 and $45 depending on the meal. In additions, six other locations are offering special deals through the week like 10% on all French-themed books at Read It and Eat, a six-macaroon box for $9.90 at La Fournette, and buy one eclair get one free from Vanille Pâtisserie.
Along with the prix fixe menus there are several French-themed events being held across the city. Get a hands-on cooking class from Madelaine Bullwinkel Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Read It and Eat, a petits and Grands Bordeaux and Cognac tasting Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at Chevalier Fine Wines, or a family cooking class Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at Alliance Française de Chicago.
The celebration ends with Passport to France a French tasting event with over 50 chefs, delicious drinks, and music Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at the French American Chamber of Commerce.
A la Carte Chicago runs until Nov. 19 at various locations. For a full list of participating restaurants and events along with pricing make sure to visit alacartechicago.com.