Gavroche — Restaurant in Chicago

Walked into Gavroche last night for my 50th birthday dinner and was greeted by the owner and lucky to snag two seats at the bar. Started with a dirty word which was one of the most unique cocktails I’ve had in a while but was everything I could have wanted, not sweet, but herbaceous and so drinkable. Proceeded to the oeuf which exceeded even the high expectations I had for it (a sentiment shared by the party next to me, notably their 11 year old). So light it was like eating the most flavorful cloud. I could have ordered a second but I’ll save that for the next visit. I couldn’t not have the French onion soup which met expectations and was so light but also complex with a good chunk of onions to complement the broth and cheese. Next I had the duck whose foie gras sauce was so rich I wanted to lick the plate (and was encouraged to by the supremely friendly head of house/bartender). Any thought of some sickly sweet duck a l’orange were quickly allayed by the perfectly cooked duck accented by the freeze dried oranges giving just the right pop of accent. My husband had the burger royale which he admitted was probably the best burger he’d ever eaten. The few fries I stole were delicious. We finished initially with the chocolate mousse with the perfect amount of salt and olive oil and while the serving could have been slightly larger I won’t complain as it was comped for my birthday. Since I’d only had one meal before that day I was still a little peckish so rounded out the meal with one of the baguettes I’d been staring at all night and a dollop of divine French butter. Multiple times throughout the meal (but not intrusively) the owner came over to chat and thank us, and the entire service staff was friendly and approachable. I’m so happy to have come across an article on this gem. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys boutique food at reasonable prices in a beautiful curated setting. I can’t wait to find an excuse to return and share this experience with...

#believethehype I have been looking forward to getting to Gavroche on a visit to Chicago since it opened. The bad news, my family and I weren’t able to make it in for dinner on our visit over this past weekend. The good news, we got in for dessert! All of the desserts!! And they were all amazing! I really can’t think of enough superlatives for Christine McCabe’s creations.

But first, it was a freezing January night and Gavroche was warm and welcoming. The decor and ambiance are elegant and approachable. (‘Vibey’ according to my 18 year old daughter.) Jason Chan welcomed us as old friends and Brooklyn took excellent care as we went on our sweet, sweet adventure.

Coffee, incredible. We’ll leave it at that. The chocolate mousse with the homemade lady finger was the perfect embodiment of chocolate. Perfectly sweet with a little salt and olive oil. The Opera Cake was the aforementioned daughter’s favorite and it was a beautiful first cousin to tiramisu. Just moist and delicious with the perfect blend of coffees, chocolate and a gentle almond cake. Amazing. The crème brûlée duo was also so perfectly done. The Tahitian vanilla was just perfect. Flavor, custard consistency and temperature. Loved the ginger pairing. Technically the ouef aparge is not a dessert but it could be. What a taste rainbow in an eggshell.

AND then … as if all of that weren’t enough, we had a cheese plate. The St. Anne blue was otherworldly, buttery with just enough strength of flavor to stand up to all of the things happening on our palate but in the most orchestral way. The two brie cheeses were equally incredible, one being the ‘ice cream’ of Brie. The baguette that came with was also perfection, like chewy, flavorful, perfect crust. (Chef’s kiss!).

When I asked my son what his favorite was, he said ‘everything’. I...

Stepping into Gavroche you immediately feel the warm, competent vibes of a real visionary restaurant.

It harkens back to a local watering hole but with extravagantly crafted cocktails and menu.

We had a 5 course meal in under 2 hours. Excellence from the get go.

Adam our bartender and server provided an experience like no other. His only direction from us was that we didn’t want to order anything for ourselves and let them craft the experience. M It did not disappoint. The food is high quality and the ingredients are thoughtfully spiced and curated.

We enjoyed conversation with other local revellers and foodies and traded ideas for what each enjoyed and would come back for.

It felt like the Old Town of old, and everything that comes with it.

In total, an experience I will come back for over and over because we only dipped our toes even though we had full bellies and fuller hearts.

Beautiful ambiance, glassware and plates. Staff was in a word: Perfect. The really made the time we spent there felling like we made friends and friends who truly cared that we left in a blissful state.

Do not miss the duck, beef tartare and their wonderful ales on classic cocktails.

The knowledge about the dishes spans the floor; the host knew as much as the manager. The kitchen was full of well deserved pride.

It is an oasis, a bastion of competence and excellence for well shaped palettes and newbies alike.

There is something for everyone here.

It’s quiet yet vibrant. It’s subtle yet screams We Are Here for You and You Deserve It!

It was our first day in several months and we couldn’t be more happy, satisfied and fulfilled.

Thank you Jason, Adam, Drake, Lisa and our gerkin vibes:)))))

Cheers and live life to the fullest, because...