There's No Need to go to France with Bistrot Zinc Just Around the Corner

share   Dreaming of a trip to France? Look no further than Bistrot Zinc, 1131 N. State St. in Chicago (telephone: 312-337-1131). Bistrot Zinc is the perfect spot for a French summer escape. Step inside and immediately be transported to your favorite Parisian bistrot. Located in the heart of Chicago's bustling Gold Coast neighborhood, Bistrot Zinc's open French doors and colorful Parisian décor will be sure to help you unwind while you delight in the classic and contemporary French dishes faithfully prepared by Chef Tim Kirker.   Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Bistrot Zinc endures as one of Chicago's most popular neighborhood restaurants because it remains fresh and contemporary while staying authentically true to French tradition. Bistrot Zinc gets its name from typical French bistrots where the "zinc" bar is a popular meeting place for good food, conversation and camaraderie. Gracious hospitality and unpretentious, exceptional service are the hallmark of this friendly bistrot that boasts a large community of regular customers. The traditional bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar offers French authenticity as guests step into its lively Parisian atmosphere. While Bistrot Zinc's success can be attributed to many things, one of the most important is that each month Chef Kirker offers a new special seasonal menu featuring contemporary French preparations. July's seasonal specials include appetizers such as Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette ($8.95); Watermelon with French feta and basil ($8.95); Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou ($13.95); Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis ($14.95); Traditional steak tartare ($12.95) and Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel ($8.95). Special entrées include Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach ($23.95); Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons ($26.95); Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad ($22.95), and Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice ($25.95).   In addition to the special seasonal menu, guests will always find a wide selection of classic dishes that are virtually synonymous with the term "French bistrot." Popular items include starters such as Escargots BZ or the classic Soupe à l'Oignon, French Onion Soup, and classic entrées such as Steak Frites and Vol-au-Vent, the stew du jour in puff pastry with crème fraîche mashed potatoes.   Bistrot Zinc serves lunch (brunch on weekends) and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.   For more information, please visit the website at www.bistrotzinc.com or call 312-337-1131 for reservations.     Appetizers Grilled radicchio with fig and walnut vinaigrette 8.95 Watermelon with French feta and basil 8.95 Brochette of lamb tenderloin with spring onions and pistou 13.95 Sautéed soft-shelled crab with roasted corn salad and red pepper coulis 14.95 Traditional steak tartare 12.95 Baby beets with Banyuls vinaigrette and shaved fennel 8.95  Entrees Grilled salmon with gingered red lentils and spinach 23.95 Bouillabaisse with rouille croutons 26.95 Pork Milanese with heirloom tomato salad 22.95 Pan-seared duck breast with tarragon-roasted peaches and basmati rice 25.95  À Côté Side Dishes Grilled asparagus, balsamic syrup 5.50 Baby squash, grape tomato sauté 5.95 Sautéed spinach 4.95 Ratatouille 5.50 Pommes frites 4.95 Haricots verts 5.50

Oceanique in Evanston is Getting New Look and Menu for 25th Anniversary

Running a much-acclaimed French American fine-dining restaurant for more than twenty-five years is no feat to scoff at, but Chef/Owner Mark Grosz and his wife/partner Renée André aren't stopping now. Celebrating the restaurant’s 25th anniversary this summer, they have recently renewed the lease on the quaint Oceanique space in the heart of Evanston, Illinois (505 Main Street, 847-864-3425) for another 10 years and plans are underway to renovate the space this summer, taking our annual 3-week vacation in July and re-opening at the end of July with new menu items and new look.

Oceanique continues garner acclaim as one of the area’s best restaurants and is a popular North Shore dining destination. Since 1993, Oceanique has been ranked as the number one seafood restaurant in the Chicago metropolitan area by the prestigious Zagat Guide.

"Many of the changes will be substantial; we are going to put in place a more contemporary look without losing the intimacy and comfortable atmosphere that has made Oceanique popular with a large and loyal following," said Grosz. "In fact, we are going from 88 seats to 68 seats to provide for more room and comfort and we are adding four banquettes. Our new menu also will highlight our excellent wine program that is led by Wine Director (and son) Philippe André. A brand new bar will come along with new chairs and tables, as well as a new menu of artisan cocktails, craft beers and small plate dishes."

Grosz has engaged the design team headed by Paul Kozlowski and Taylor Williams of D+K Architects to oversee the design changes. Floor and ceiling treatments are planned along with a state of the art lighting system that imbues the space with warmth and charm while showcasing Chef Grosz’s glowing seasonal dishes. A row of banquette seating will be placed along the wall of one of the main dining rooms to accommodate large tables while still offering lavish seating. 

Along with the physical changes, Chef Grosz will introduce new menus, one specifically for the bar area to appeal to those looking to enjoy a brand new seasonally focused cocktail program and lighter bites. Featured on this menu will be the signature Maine Lobster Brioche sandwich with saffron-togarashi aioli.

A rebuilt seven-course degustation menu will take Oceanique into the next era of its culinary

Roasted Oysters

history with dishes like Virginia Misty Point Oysters roasted with Pernod, spinach and parmesan. Also featured will be Pennsylvania’s Elysian Field Farm’s lamb T-bone, grilled with heirloom tomatoes. An abundance of wonderfully blended fresh local herbs and vegetables will make their way onto the Summer and Fall menus.

The renovations won't happen until Oceanique takes its annual summer break during the first half of July, but in the meantime, Chef Grosz is not letting up, featuring his seven-course Spring degustation menu. Highlights include day boat sea scallops with house made kimchi, Spanish Turbot with lemongrass, and locally raised duck leg confit with kumquats and Hudson Valley foie gras.

Wine Director André has updated his pairings to reflect the sway of the seasons, featuring an exotic yet playful Hungarian dry Furmint and the elegant sophistication of a tenured single vineyard red burgundy.

Barramundi

"Over the years, our wine program has become more than an addition to the Oceanique experience but rather, a beautiful companion to our fine cuisine," says Wine Director Andre. "Our wine cellar contains a wide spectrum of varietal offerings with an outstanding collection of rare Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux. Oceanique’s cellar not only holds some 700 selections at a precise 57° and 64% humidity, it strives to offer something special for every dish, every person, and every occasion."

Oceanique has won Wine Spectator Magazine’s coveted "Best of Award of Excellence" every year since 1993. This year, Wine Spectator recognized Oceanique as having one of the 750 best wine lists in the world. Even with this acclaim, guests find the wine service at Oceanique to be very knowledgeable, yet refreshingly gracious and down to earth.

More information about the 25th anniversary celebration at Oceanique will be made available during the coming weeks.

Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

Serrano Ham

Quail

Maine Lobster

Napoleon