Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Grocery Bistro

The Grocery Bistro has been on my "restaurant" list for a long time. When we saw an offer from "groupon", we purchased it, and booked a reservation couple months after (hoping to avoid the "groupon" crowd). This is a contemporary French-influenced American fare, using seasonal, organic ingredients that are handpicked from first-class local meat and seafood markets year-round.

Although we had a reservation, we waited for 1/2 hour or so before getting seated. This place is a shoebox. VERY crowded. VERY loud. We did not expect to ever return.

But then the food came...and wow, was it amazing.

ANTIPASTI
Charcuterie For Two- House made Duck prosciutto, Rabbit Rillette, Foie Gras Tourchon, Country Style Pork Pate, Garlic Crostini, Mission Fig Mustard, Herb Salad 18

Everything on this platter was super delicious, flavorful, fresh. We wanted more.

SMALL PLATES
Soup of the Day- Pea Soup (Changes on a Daily Basis) 5

The soup was probably the least-favorite item..nothing spectacular.

Duo of Tartar-
Beef Tartar: Lemon Zest, Fine Herbs, Quail egg, Yuzu-soy Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna: Chili Oil, Lemon Zest, Toasted Sesame, Fine Herbs, Sesame Aioli 9


The Bobcat added this dish last-minute, and it turned out to be his favorite. The asian-inspired flavors using yuzu, seasame oil, etc... it was so delicious, we couldn't decide which we liked better...beef or ahi tuna.


Rabbit Roulade


I've been very impressed by the Bobcat's tendency to try less-typical meats. The rabbit roulade was tender, tasty, delicious.


ENTRÉE

Pan Seared Colorado Lamb Chops- Persian Feta Croquettes, Tuscan Kale, Housemade Lamb Bacon, Natural Jus 32


We saw a lot of lamb chops passing by us while we waited, so we naturally wanted to try it too. Perfectly prepared temperature and blend of flavors... we loved it.


This statement is what I love most: The Grocery Bistro prepares all dishes to order using local and organic products when and wherever possible.


We will definitely go back (even if we have to wait 40 minutes, and even if we cannot hear each other).


Executive Chef – Daniel Marquis

The Grocery Bistro
804 W Washington Blvd.
Chicago , IL 60607
Reservations (312) 850-9291