It's been nearly two months and a few weeks we're in Chicago and it would be a lie to say that our France Sweet France did not fail us. While we miss: family, friends, country and especially the cuisine. And it is with great pleasure that we agreed to write and publish this article on the only authentic French restaurant in Chicago, the famous Brasserie Jo , located 59 West Hubbard, honoring the birthplace of its leader Joho , Alsace.
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When we walked towards the famous brewery, we were both surprised to find hanging on the wall of establishing small blue plaques, typically French, indicating the numbers and labels on the streets.
Let me tell you that for a moment we thought we back in France!
And you know what was most surprising in all this? The street number or is this restaurant is the 59 just like our department!
Incredible, is not it?
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Moved and a little anxious to "rediscover" our national cuisine, we went without further delay in the establishment. We were delighted to be greeted by a charming receptionist French nationality, excited by our arrival. It was surprising to discover that everything had been carefully prepared for our comfort. "A chic Parisian brasserie" That is what the atmosphere of the Brasserie Jo made us think with his huge bar decorated with many and various bottles of wine, magnums of champagne and well placed in cycling trophy in the center of the restaurant, symbol of the Tour de France.
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Still amazed by the scenery around us, the receptionist we conviât to take place and handed us menus.
And that was the hardest time because that choosing among all specialties, a French restaurant can offer you? Our taste buds were already in full swing just reading the menu!
Steak frites and steak tartare?
Mussels or snails?
Croque monsieur or quiche lorraine?
Hull wine or melted?
Onion soup or sauerkraut?
And much more!
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Once the entrees ordered, appetizers made their entry mini baguettes and small lump of sweet butter got together, this is accompanied by carrots marinated in fine herbs and salmon rillettes with toast!
Constance could not help commenting on rillettes "they are as good as my grandmother did!
"
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The sight of these small yet warm and crusty baguettes we put water in his mouth! You never believe us if we told you that it was the first chopsticks we dégustâmes since our arrival in the USA!
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The hors d'oeuvres followed with
Shrimps in French
accompanied by a
French Cocktail Sauce
, served in a beautiful glass bowl decorated with a piece of lace.
A presentation of the most chic!
These entries were very good and fresh, simply.
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The time main courses arrived:
Steak tartare
with salad and French fries with fresh
fillet of salmon with olive oil accompanied by steamed asparagus and roasted tomatoes.
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What else to tell you except that it was a feast for the eyes and taste buds. In view of this table adorned on both sides of these delicious dishes, we had a moment of nostalgia and we saw him in our good old restaurants back home.
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Immediately cleared our dishes, a young host handed us the dessert menu.
Yes, it is always best for last!
Greedy we are, we immediately craquâmes for
Pear Helena Cup
: a pear, cut into small pieces covered with chocolate syrup, decorated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crowned with creamy whipped cream sprinkled here and there with fine almonds grilled.
A true delight!
Not to mention the
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Cup
, a delicious sweetness consists of two scoops of ice cream with dark chocolate and milk, placed on a bed of chocolate mousse and decorated with a delicious cloud of whipped cream.
And what a surprise to discover in every bite of small squares of dark chocolate with caramelized almonds ... Exquisite.
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This restaurant is simply a culinary tribute to France.
At any French crossing in Chicago, do not miss this opportunity to regain some of us!
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Brasserie JO
59 W.
Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Tel: 312.
595.
0800
Fax: 312.
595.
0808
Email:
brasseriejo@leye.com
Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
