Since we spent a fair bit of time in Chicago this winter, we had the opportunity to experience some really great restaurants. While we haven’t yet made it to Alinea, we wait for that day by visiting every other fantastic little restaurant we can find.
One such place, Bistronomic in downtown Chicago, is all about good old French cuisine with a modern twist. Oozing all the charm of a Parisian bistro, it’s about providing sophisticated French food at everyday prices. Bistronomic has also embraced the growing trend of locally sourcing as much of their produce as possible. Most of what you eat at Bistronomic is sourced from local midwestern farms.
Our Christmas Eve dinner at Bistronomic was a four course prix fixe with multiple choices for each course with a thoughtful vegetarian option in every course. It was an extensive menu with about 6 Appetizers to choose from, 5 Entrees and more than 4 Desserts.
We chose a Local Delicata Squash Veloute, Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with house cured Duck Confit, Fennel and Arugula salad and a Mixed Green Salad. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi with house cured Duck Confit was a fabulous combination, the rich, savory duck confit was beautifully complemented by the sweet, comforting depth of the gnocchi. The rest of the first course were similarly great, the light and creamy texture of the squash veloute particularly memorable.
For our Entrees we chose Braised Venison Tournedos, Winter Squash Ravioli and Prime Ribs. While all were delicious, the venison was particularly beautifully done and served with a lovely fresh celery mousse to cut through the incredibly rich and creamy foie gras.
As the leisurely meal came to an end we were told that the Baked Alaska that we wanted to eat were over and we chose a Date and Apple Clafoutis and a Tiramisu with a Grand Mariner sauce. Clafoutis are a traditional french dessert which are usually made of black cherries baked in an eggy, custard like batter but in this case the cherries were substituted with dates and apples. The desserts were a perfect end to a perfect meal, delicious and delicate, leaving your taste buds craving just a little more. In addition to the fabulous food,the most striking feature at Bistronomic is the amazing staff. Attentive without being in your face and helping you understand the food on your plate. In a nutshell a perfect place at an unbelievably reasonable price.
Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 944.8400, [email protected]