Nestled in the heart of downtown Western Springs, Petite Vie offers a menu curated with classic French dishes infused with Chef Paul Virant's signature flair. Spending time researching in France for inspiration, Virant has crafted every dish with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition. Seating 65 guests, Petite Vie’s intimate space exudes the warmth and comfort of a traditional French brasserie, while seamlessly blending modern design elements. A collaboration between Virant, his wife Jennifer and long-time friend and designer Jody Tate, every detail at Petite Vie tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful curation. Featuring French intricacy and layering, the space is a canvas of artistic expression, with artwork curated from both local talents and treasures acquired during the team's time in Paris. Framed prints, commissioned paintings, and a round antique mirror passed down through generations, adorn the walls, adding layers of intrigue.
Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence with a focus on native techniques and ingredients and lighter plays on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetable, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef preparations will be finished at the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, providing dishes with incredible wood and charcoal flavors that elevate each ingredient without the need for heavy sauces or seasonings.
Chicago’s cutest little French bistro & wine bar. Coquette is a pink Parisian dream offering modern French cuisine paired with exciting wines and cocktails.Led by Executive Chef Marcos Campos, Culinary Director Erwin Mallet and Executive Pastry Chef Shannah Primiano, Coquette expresses their vision for a modern bistro, where quintessential recipes and iconic dishes are matched with contemporary influences. Though our cuisine may be “nouvelle” our equipment is undeniably primitive, with all cooking done by live-fire ovens and mangal grills. We also feature a dry aging system that blends state-of-the-art technology with methods that go back thousands of years to unleash the flavor and tenderness of the beef, duck and fish prepared in our kitchen. Coquette’s wine list is a playful celebration of France’s most under-appreciated regions and boldest winemakers.
Au milieu de la Petite Italie, le bistro Chez Joel reproduit les goûts et les arômes que l'on retrouve en France. Mettant en vedette des plats traditionnels, le chef Joel Kazouini propose une cuisine du sud de la France, simple et savamment préparée. L'atmosphère du restaurant Chez Joel rappelle l'ambiance d'un vrai bistro français avec ses murs ornés de tableaux français et ses tables recouvertes de papier de boucherie. L'environnement confortable fait du bistro Chez Joel l'endroit idéal pour un repas romantique. Lorsque le temps le permet, les tables de jardin sur la terrasse extérieure offrent une des expériences en plein air les plus agréables de la ville.