Find a French feast at La Grande Boucherie

Following in the fine footsteps of La Grande Boucherie in Manhattan there's a new establishment with the same name in Chicago near its sister restaurant Olie e Piu.

Located at 431 North Dearborn Street inside the Belle Epoque building La Grande Boucherie explores this era through cuisine and style. This French invasion took over the previous home of Ruth's Chris Steak House in River North of Chicago in this over 10,000 square foot space.

Housed in the largest building from The Group so far this massive endeavor presents spectacular views of the city while overlooking the downstairs area from the above second floor. The Art Nouveau style can be seen throughout this venue with the use of iron railings, osier floors and wide open spaces.

Embark on an adventure to Francia by sipping from a glass of Cabernet Franc or bubbles from the Champagne region by Lallier. Mixologists have concocted clever cocktails such as a signature martini with brown butter-washed vodka, pineapple and raspberry preserves. The process of trimming the fat off liquor after refrigeration gives the vodka a nutty aroma.

The appetizer selections are all outstanding and satisfying on their own. The French onion soup is a next-level dish thanks to gooey gruyere cheese and bread soaked in broth.

Les escargots may look unusual but this is deceiving as these edible land snails are bathed in butter and unforgettable. Exquisite beef tartare with diced beef tenderloin is accompanied by shallots and a quail egg.

L'assiette de saumon fume sounds fancy but simply put is a thinly sliced Scottish smoked salmon plated on a monogrammed dish with eggs and cream cheese. It's light to prepare for the robust entrees to come. 

For meaty mains taste the difference of grass feeding in the 10-ounce New York strip or 12-ounce Australian ribeye. Things can easily go off kilter quickly with pork chops sometimes being overcooked and dry, but this 14-ounce cote de porc aux morellos sampling was juicy and served at the perfect temperature.

Some options for add-on side items include asparagus, mushrooms and French fries, also known as pommes frites.

Finish off the French feast with a memorable dessert such as the black sesame creme brûlée or the profiteroles filled with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce.

Everything is coming up rosé for this team as brunch is rolling out swiftly on opening weekend.  Judging from the menu, the earlier-in-the-day options will still be as elevated as the nighttime delicacies with red wine-poached eggs and omelets packed with gruyere goodness.

There is still more on the way from these entrepreneurs with a 10-seat sushi spot called Omakase Room planned for spring later this year.

Paris is known for romance and La Grande Boucherie feeds into that philosophy by providing just the right atmosphere and setting that diners will fall in love with. Travel over to boucheries.com to explore a foodie trip to France without leaving the Wind City today!