alacartechicago2016-blog

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Congratulations to all of our à la carte 2016 raffle winners!

Congratulations to all of our à la carte 2016 raffle winners! The wait was finally over last night at our closing event at the Gene Siskel film center where we revealed the lucky winners of our raffle! These winners are in for some amazing meals!

- Carol Stitzer: 2 tickets to any class at Read it and Eat

- Jennifer Birmingham: Designer Wine Decanter

-Patrick Bourbon: 2 tickets to Cider School at The Northman

- Scott Grubczak- $100 gift certificate for Le Bouchon

- Guy Grundhoefer-  $60 gift certificate for Bistro Voltaire

- Elizabeth Heinemann-  $60 gift certificate for La Fournette

- Jodi Kennedy- $100 gift certificate for La Sardine

- Aimee Laberge-  Chef's 5 course dinner for 2 at Oceanique (Valued at $160), $20 gift certificate for Bistro Bordeaux

- Alexandra Lafaurie-  Dinner for two at Tallgrass Restaurant

- Brittany Larsen-  Trip for 2 to Lyon

- Peter & Cheryl Linett-  $50 gift certificate for Vanille

- Susan Lyons-  Tasting Menu & Wine Pairing for 2 at Restaurant Michael (Valued at $600), $150 gift certificate for Shaw's Crab House

- Jason McInnes-  $100 gift certificate for Volo Restaurant and Wine bar

- Janice Nazar  $20 gift certificate for Crêperie Saint Germain

- Raul Nino-  French Themed Seasoning Selection from The Spice House

- Susan Sandberg-  $100 gift certificate from Café Grace

- Sharon Shaughnessy-  $100 gift certificate for Lake Park Bistro

If you had your eye on the prize but you name was’t called, worry not! The prizes for next year’s à la carte festival are sure to be just as amazing! 

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Spotlight On : The Original Wine Company

Located in the heart of Chicago, The Original Wine Company is a small organization in the wine and brandy spirit manufacturering industry. We are lucky to have such a classic wine company as one of our à la carte 2016  participants!

 Since 2010, they have imported and distributed fine French wines from family-owned winerieis from all around France! Their portfolio represents a wide range of delicious wines that symbolize the craft of wine-making and expressing the history and traditions of their places of origin. Founder Tracy Lewis Liang built her entire career in the Chicago fine wine trade across wholesale, restraurants and retail.

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Spotlight on: Champagne Lecomte

All the way from the village of Vinay in France, Champagne Lecomte Père et Fils is one of our participants for our à la carte 2016 festival and we are so excited to welcome them. 

For the Lecomte family, Champagne making has been a tradition for 5 generations, ever since 1859. They have been able to become known nationwide because of passion, dedication, hard work and joie de vivre.

Today, the Lecomte family has a new goal, which is to bring Champagne Lecomte to the United States. One of their first step has been entering in our festival this year!

Whether you are looking for brut Champagne, rosé, blanc de blancs, semi-dry Champagne or vintage Champagne everything is produced in the vineyards of South Epernay.

You can visit their 34 000 acre vineyards on your next visit to France. Take a tour and taste their fantastic champagne. 

Maison Champagne Lecomte is working very environmentally friendly, that is to say working with just what it takes to get as healthy as possible harvest for excellent grape juice without excess chemicals.

Respectful of tradition, Maison Champagne Lecomte Pere et Fils in Vinay, France, recently chose to modernize its operations, to offer excellence, rigor, and their love for champagne while cultivating a certain amount of mystery.

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Spotlight On: Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro

We are thrilled to announce Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro as a participant for à la carte 2016! This Milwaukee bistro overlooking Lake Michigan is home to authentic, rustic French dishes. Their extravagant menu ranges from traditional fare to modernized chef-chosen meals that differs each season. 

Originally from the North Shore of Chicago, Executive Chef, Adam Siegel began his culinary career helping out at Michael’s, his stepfather’s restaurant, at the young age of 14. Plates by Chef Adam and chef de cuisine John Raymond are especially delicious. Classics like filet mignon au poivre with green peppercorn brandy cream sauce have a permanent place on the menu. You will be astonished by the gorgeous view of Lake Michigan from the two lake rooms in the bistro, which are incomparable to any other restaurant in Milwaukee. There is a sufficient space for free parking available, along with with a beautiful park view which makes Lake Park Bistro an attractive destination for any dining occasion.

Don’s miss out! Lake Park Bistro is offering an exclusive price fixe menu for à la carte festival goers! 

Visit the Lake Park Bistro Website

Visit their profile on our website

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Spotlight On: Chevalier Fine Wines

Are you looking for the best fine wine in Chicago? Look no further! Chevalier Fine Wines serves the best, mouth-watering variety of wines including red, rosé, sparkling and white. They also offer wine storage space that ensures your wines age in perfect condition. Their passion for wine and dedication to constantly learning and tasting will leave you more than impressed! Whether you are a beginner who is just starting to discover what you like or a dedicated connoisseur who is looking for hard-to-find wines, Chevalier has you covered. Their artisanally produced wines come from the best wineries in the world, each bottle sure to tell a story like no other. 

Founded in 2015, Chevalier Fine Wines provides the highest level of personal service, guidance and education. They share their knowledge about their vast selection from France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the USA so you can enjoy the best wines for your palate.

Chevalier Fine Wines is the perfect spot for hosting your next wine tasting event! Impress your guests at this Noble Square destination by hosting an experience that they’ve never had before. À la carte 2016 would not be the same without the atmosphere, wine, and expertise of Chevalier Fine Wines.   

Visit the Chevalier Profile on our Website

Visit the Chevalier Website

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Spotlight On: North Shore Boulangerie

We are so excited to announce North Shore Boulangerie as a participant for à la carte 2016! This Wisconsin café radiates French hospitality. From their delicious full service menu to their incredible selection of breads made with natural French levain yeast, everyone is sure to find something they love.

In this edition of Public Radio's Lake Effect/Radio Chipstone, Chef Webb shares the science behind baking a great loaf of bread. VIEW THE FULL INTERVIEW.

Packers fans and UW alumni will love the specialty branded beer bread, everyone else will love well.. everything else! For breakfast take your pick of a savory Quiche Lorraine or a deliciously sweet Chocolate Croissant. If you’re not a breakfast person, worry not! You wont believe the selection available for lunch. From tomato soup to the croque monsieur, your favorites are all there! The care and passion for deliciousness can be seen even in the sides served with each meal, North Shore Boulangerie takes an extra step in complimenting their lunch dishes with freshly made baguettes or roasted potatoes au gratin.

Patrons wanting to elevate their lunch hour even more can choose between four Plats Principaux featuring the rich Ragout of Duck Confit with Bouquet of Vegetables, the savory Chicken and Mushroom Crepe, the classic Quiche Lorraine, or the light and delicate fish with white wine beurre blanc. No French meal is complete without wine, thankfully North Shore Boulangerie offers a complete selection of red, white and sparking wines by the glass or by the bottle.  If you’re looking for the same commitment to French gastronomy during you Sunday brunch, then you’re in luck! North Shore Boulangerie also offers Sunday brunch from 10:00 to 2:30.

Visit Chef Gene for the best lunch hour of your week and taste his incredible work during à la carte 2016!

Visit the North Shore Boulangerie Page on Our Website

Visit the North Shore Boulangerie Website

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Spotlight on: Kronenbourg

We are very happy to have Kronenbourg as one of our sponsors for this year’s à la carte 2016 festival. To have such an iconic beer company is an honor for us!

Kronenbourg 1664 is a lager with a noble history, characterized by its fine taste. Its golden hues and delicate bitterness come from selecting the best hops, and the unique know-how of one of the French master brewers, for over 350 years. Its specific soil and culture technique requirements makes it rare and quite unique to the Alsace Region and Kronenbourg recipes.

Kronenbourg Brewery was founded in 1664 by Geronimus Hatt in Strasbourg and has been an iconic beer in the world for so many years.

In 2014, Kronenbourg celebrated its 350th year anniversary. It has been a journey through centuries of passion, dedication and knowledge, leading to a milestone of French joie and art de vivre.

Enjoy a fresh 1664 Blanc with its citrucy, coriander, fruity aromas. The bold rich  flavor embodies the elegance and taste of France! The classy modern blue bottle is ready to be the star of all your moments of conviviality.

Think French, be French, sip French. Santé! Cheers!

View Kronenbourg profile on à la carte Chicago

Visit Kronenbourg website

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Spotlight On: Perrier

If you’re looking to spice up your everyday hydration experience then à la carte 2016 has the solution for you. Perrier has been serving the world natural French spring water since 1863. Drawn from a real live spring in Vergèze, each bottle is your own little taste of the south of France!

Louis Perrier created the beverage for the guests at his Occitanie spa making it a true product of luxury. Their classic natural spring water offers a more exciting alternative to regular water.  For those who want a little more flavor, their Citron Lemon-Lime or Pamplemousse Rose varieties are a refreshing twist on a classic!  Perfect for everyday use, special occasions or mixing, there's a Perrier for everyone.

Drink like a European at your next event, pick up the champagne of sparking water in the iconic green bottles at the grocery store to Frenchify any upcoming occasion!  

View Perrier profile on à la carte 2016

Visit Perrier website

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Spotlight On: Mon Ami Gabi

Situated in the gorgeous Belden Stratford building across the street from the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory is an 18 year Chicago resident, Mon Ami Gabi. During the summer months guests are invited to sit outside and indulge in a delicious French meal while enjoying the beautiful view from Lincoln Park West.

This beloved restaurant is lauded city-wide for its delicious, authentic dishes and beautiful interior. Enjoy the classic Onion Soup Au Gratin or the eleven varieties of Steak Frites that made the restaurant famous. If you want to change it up, sample their daily plats du jour including everything from Duck a l’Orange to grilled bison ribeye all prepared by brand new Executive Chef Michael Battocletti.

Pair your dinner with a selection from their wine list featuring over 80 French boutique wine varieties hand picked by owner Gabino Sotelino and served from the restaurant’s signature wine cart. Perfect for a romantic date night, or a large celebration, Mon Ami Gabi is sure to delight. Mon Ami Gabi has also put its own spin on happy hour with Amuse Hour Monday through Friday from 5-6. Amuse is sure to be the best hour of your week $5 wines by the glass, $5 house cocktails and five dollar bottled beers.

If you prefer an elevated Sunday brunch rather than a lavish dinner, Mon Ami Gabi is the perfect destination. From 10-2 enjoy decadent French-inspired breakfast items and an array of unique sparkling cocktails.

Fall in love with Mon Ami Gabi as so many others have during a la carte 2016!  

Visit Mon Ami Gabi’s Profile on our Website

Visit the Mon Ami Gabi Website

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Spotlight On: Chateau de Riquewihr Dopff  & Irion

What would à la carte 2016 be without some white wine straight from the Alsatian vineyards. Fortunately, Domaine Dopff et Irion is one of our sponsors for this year’s festival! We are so excited for you to learn more about the heritage of such a well known vineyard. Cheers!

The Dopff and Irion families, whose origins can be traced to the vineyard as of the 16th century, have known, from one generation to the next, how to build upon their heritage: the vineyard and Chateau de Riquewihr.

Constructed in 1549, the Chateau was originally owned by the Princes of Wurtemberg, who ruled over the city and its region for five centuries. Today, Riquewihr is known to be “the pearl of Alsace”. The exceptional richness of its architecture and decorations bear witness to its former glory. Chateau de Riquewihr and Domaines Dopff & Irion offer you all of the diversity of the appellations, grape varieties, Grands Crus,and specialties of the Alsatian vineyard. You can go there and discover great gastronomic wines, expressing the exceptional specific style of their terroir and origin. 

Chateau de Riquewhir is known for its Riesling, a rich, fresh yellow, almost gold wine. Their Riesling has lemony and fruity notes such as apple, alongside mineral flavors, all harmonized to create a delicious and delicate taste.

Riesling has many pairings. With grilled, raw or cooked fish, seafood, poultry, white meat, Riesling is excellent. Perfect for roast pork or veal chop and even goat cheese.

Their website can tell you all about the journey of a grape from the vineyard to the wine glass. Make sure to learn more about this fascinating Domaine. 

View Chateau de Riquewihr on à la carte 2016

Visit Chateau de Riquewihr website

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Spotlight on: Les Amis de la Place Antonin Poncet

Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet, is an association based in the magnificent Antonin Poncet plaza, in Lyon.

So, what makes Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet such a great symbol of Lyon?

#1: A Collaborative Community

Les Amis is more than an association; it’s an active collaboration between multiple actors from the public and private sectors of Lyon. The association currently has 60 members, 20 of which are businesses in the area. Members include private citizens, businesses, public services, and the local mayor. All of these participants share one thing: a love for Lyon and a specific soft spot for the unique Antonin Poncet plaza. By bringing all of these players together, Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet are creating and nurturing a diverse and collaborative community in Lyon.

#2: A Symbol of the “Art of Living” in Lyon

Les Amis’ mission is to protect, preserve, and maintain the plaza in order to showcase and celebrate its uniqueness. The plaza, which can quite literally be called the “heart” of Lyon since it is located in the center, is a true gateway to Lyon, a city renowned for its art of living, gastronomy, and culture. By fostering a community spirit and promoting the plaza through cleanup days, cultural gatherings, and group events, Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet are exemplifying this Art de Vivre in Lyon and showing their pride in their beloved city.

In fact, Les Amis are participating in the Lyon Grand Raffle Prize of à la carte 2016 by giving a two-day guided tour of the city thanks to the generosity of multiple sponsors (Air France Lyon, Hotel Le Royal, Les Restaurants & Brasseries de Lyon® Bocuse, Brasserie Le Sud, and l’Institut Paul Bocuse Bellecour). Pascale Remy, President of Les Amis, will also give a talk at the Alliance Française de Chicago on October 24th at 6:30pm followed by a sampling of Lyon delicacies provided by Chef Biggers from the Sofitel’s Café des Architectes.

#3: The Plaza Wants YOU

The association of Les Amis isn’t just for citizens who live in the area — it’s for all those who wish to explore and learn about Lyon and this unique plaza, as well as engage in a collaborative community. Whether you’re a visitor to Lyon and have never heard of place Antonin Poncet or you’re just curious and want to discover this French symbol, Les Amis welcomes everyone.

BONUS #4: An Awesome Art Expo

Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet are currently preparing the first photo exhibition on the plaza, to be shown from October 4th to December 15th. The pictures, based on the theme “Lyon Insolite” (“Hidden Lyon”) will highlight unexpected perspectives, hidden areas, and emblematic spots in Lyon. The entire event is an invitation to discover the beauty and cultural wealth of this beautiful French city.

If you’re planning a visit to Lyon or are simply curious, get in touch with Les Amis de la place Antonin Poncet!

For more information, visit the association’s website: http://alacarte.city/2aCIjVP

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Spotlight On: Cafe Grace

Café Grace serves as the perfect culinary meeting place for a casual rendezvous or the celebration of a special occasion. The kitchen has both a Woodstone vertical rotisserie and a Josper charcoal fired oven and churns out French classics like Steak Frites and Duck Confit as well as rotisseried meats and ribeye for two. An approachable wine list that is predominantly French, as well as offering new world varietals, complements our chef's artfully crafted menu.

The exterior black and white awnings cover an outdoor terrace leading into the main bar area. You'll be transported in the light and airy atmosphere adorned with brass accents and an ornate ivory-colored ceiling. Large fleur-de-lis tiled floors are spread throughout the restaurant in an intimate dining atmosphere meant to mimic the classic French café, where you can feel comfortable lounging for hours or grabbing a quick appetizer and glass of wine.

Be sure to check out Café Grace the next time you’re in the Milwaukee area during à la carte 2016!

Visit the Cafe Grace website!

Visit their profile on our website!

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Spotlight On: Maison Parisienne

We are so excited to welcome Maison Parisienne to our a la carte 2016 festival as participants but also to the Wrigleyville neighborhood! Their grand opening was Thursday September 22nd!

The food at Maison Parisienne is “prepared by real French people. 100% homemade.” This new cafe offers a place where you can have a taste of France right here in Chicago. Enjoy this quiet salon de the while chatting with friends  and savoring a raspberry cream tart. From their kitchen to your bistro table, they prepare daily selections of French specialties such as pastries, croissants, traditional meals, quiches, savory tarts, and roque-monsieur, just like in Paris!

At Maison Parisienne, you can re-live your most recent trip to Paris with all of  the cozy comforts of being at home. Enjoy the black and white pictures of Paris on the wall while you indulge into a chocolate madeleine. You can also place an order online for impromptu sweet cravings. 

The Chicago Tribune raves: "French cafe Maison Parisienne will bring handmade specialties to Wrigleyville. A trio of 30-something friends behind the cafe left Paris more than two years ago to share the ‘secrets of the French gastronomy’ with Chicago. The menu will feature traditional French items like pastries, quiches, croque-monsieurs and (of course) croissants. Just what Cubs fans are looking for?"

Make sure to check them out and tell us what you think! Bon appetit!

View Maison Parisienne profile on à la carte 2016 website

Visit Maison Parisienne website

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Le Sud Brasserie in Lyon

Le Sud Brasserie is one of Paul Bocuse’s four restaurants in Lyon. For a little bit of background story, Paul Bocuse is one of France’s most renowned chefs. He is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and has earned 3 Michelin stars since 1965  as well as the Chef of the Century award. He is truly the backbone of French culinary arts, and known by all foodies and gastronomes.

Paul Bocuse’s Brasserie Le Sud definitely doesn't disappoint. Just a few steps away from the Rhone river, close to the famous Place Bellecour, Le Sud Restaurant invites you in for a sunny and tasty getaway. On spring sunny days, people dine on the terrace, making it feel like a vacation in Provence.

At Le Sud Restaurant, Mediterranean flavors overwhelm your pallets! Chef André Saubatjou only works with local products from markets. Fresh, local, and always delicious.

The kitchen at Le Sud Brasserie really is “un art de vivre.” Sunny vegetables, eggplant, zucchinis, tomatoes, and pepers are combined into earthy meals such as tajine, stews, fish, meats. Every dish comes back to simple pleasures.

Brasseries Bocuses are little gems hidden that you definitely won’t want to miss.

View Le Sud profile on our website

Visit Le Sud Brasserie website

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Spotlight on: Rail Europe

Our fantastic trip package to Lyon would not be possible without out our one of a kind sponsor, Rail Europe!

All major French cities are connected by TGV,  the high speed train network which travels at speeds nearly 200 mph. Considering that France is the size of Texas, your destinations are now just a “whirl” away.

There is one word to describe the TGV. Fast! Easy too! Being the world speed record holder, these great trains zips from city to city at up to 322 kph (201 mph). With Paris as its hub, this high-speed French network interconnects throughout Europe making it an attractive alternative to the plane.

If we had to find another word to describe the TGV, it would have to be “frequent”. Because every day 450 trains crisscross the network, offering you a wide choice of journey times.

The TGV in France is definitely one of the best ways to travel. In just a few hours you can travel from North of France to South of France, while enjoying the beautiful views the French country side has to offer.

TGV trains are clean and family friendly. If you need to get some work done the trains are quiet. Most TGVs have a bar where you can find many kinds of refreshments, meals and snacks, which comes in handy when you need a little pick me up coffee.

We are proud to have Le Rail Europe as part of our sponsor for our a la carte 2016 festival!

Visit Le Rail Europe website

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Spotlight on: Le Petit Paris

You might not think of Omaha, Nebraska as a destination when you think of authentic French pastries but you surely will after visiting Le Petit Paris! Founded by Cedric Fichepain, celebrated Chef-owner of Le Voltaire, Le Petit Paris bakes French breads and pastries like no other in the city!  All of the products are finely prepared, using only the best ingredients along with exact recipes from France and then baked in an imported French deck oven.

Le Petit Paris has all the classics in store, from traditional Pain au Chocolat, delicate Macarons and Eclairs that almost float off your fork. In addition to sweets, you will also find savory quiches and baguette sandwiches for lunch on the go. If you need dessert a special occasion or an event, Le Petit Paris also caters! Choose from a wide array of pastries, sure to please anyone. And for a wedding, why not indulge in an authentic French choux cake, sure to be the most unique dessert your guests will ever enjoy.

Discover your little slice of France in Omaha with either of the two Le Petit Paris locations during à la carte 2016 and get three pastries for the price of two during the festival.

View Le Petit Paris profile on à la carte Chicago

Visit Le Petit Paris website

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Spotlight On: Crêperie St Germain

If you are looking for an authentic “Crêperie Bretonne” as they say in French,Crêperie St Germain is the place you need to check out.

Located in Evanston, this restaurant does not disappoint your sweet and savory cravings.Their menu showcases fresh ingredients through simple, flavorful combinations. 

Creperie St Germain serves “galette de sarrasin” which are savory crepes made from a blend of 100% organic buckwheat & wheat flours . To this day, galettes de sarrasin still represent an important social aspect of the French gastronomy.

You can order many different savory crepes such as a Provençale crêpe with ratatouille, crème fraiche and fresh herbs. You can also finish your lunch or dinner with a sweet crepe such as the classic Crêpe Au Sucre and famous Crêpe Suzette, or indulge in a chocolate and strawberry Marquis Crêpe.

The beverage list offers many apple ciders from around the world as well as a European beer selection. The wine list features wines from southern France as well.

Step inside and bask in the convivial and authentic French bistro atmosphere. You’ll know you are in the right place when you see the Parisian metro map on the wall. We are lucky to have Creperie St Germain participate to our a la carte Chicago 2016 festival this upcoming October. Don’t forget to check this place out and let us know what you think! We would love to hear your thoughts and must haves!

Visit Creperie St Germain website

View Creperie St Germain profile on à la carte Chicago