14 July 2009

Happy Bastille Day


Merde!
If you live in Chicago - - are you in luck.

My favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's not hip. It's not happening. What is it? Baby, it's soul. And heart. And everything I love. I only wish I was there. Hidden away in a tiny corner of an unknown condo building, Le Petit Paris (the old Zavens) goes back to the early 60's and Hugh Hefner's Chicago where a good French restaurant did frog legs, steak au poive and a decent wine at a decent price. Sorry for being late on this but if you can make it - - Tell the owner, Alain, Tintin sent you.

13 comments:

  1. Tintin, I believe you've mentioned this place before. Candidly, I have never heard of it. But, I definitely will make it a point to go there some time when we're out on the town (which isn't often these days, as we live in the burbs with a 14 month-old). In any event, thanks for the recommendation.

    Separately, I'm glad that you enjoyed your recent trip to Newport...Looks like a lovely area.

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  2. Tintin, a friend of my Dads used to live in Chicago and threw a Bastille Day party every year featuring a frog jumping contest. This was held in his place at Lake Point Tower and was a blast.

    Of course, since today is my birthday I view as France celebrates my birthday.

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  3. my fav. french place in chicago was le creperie...ran by a husband and wife up on clark street.

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  4. Mon Ami,

    I hope you enjoyed your 'quatorze juillet' as much as I did.

    Paris was crap today, believe you me. (Even 'les pompiers' agreed...)
    But one can fall back on champagne, whch is nice.

    Nevertheless, Liberté, Égalité Fraternité, and when in Chicago, I know where to go.

    Salut et merci!

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  5. I'm in Chicago in about three weeks. I am GOING to this place! Thanks for another great tip.

    ML
    mlanesepic.blogspot.com

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  6. Spent last year's Bastille day in Paris, lots of firestation parties, etc. Stayed out too late with the wife and went to many places such as Le Petit. Thanks for recalling some not-to-distant memories. . .

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  7. I will go here. It is now next on my list! Merci beaucoup!

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  8. Rats...Babe just finished up a multi-month study in Sheee-kay-go and he would have appreciated the restaurant tip. Will tuck away for future reference. XXOO

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  9. Will try to stop by tonight and raise a glass to you (or two,or three).

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  10. Castle Hill is a dream - the BH is giving you more great advice.

    I tried Le Petit Paris a few years back, and did like its charm, and the fact that is a 15" walk from home, but I will stand by Kiki's Bistro as the charming, go-to comfy French spot in The Chi. And Les Nomades always a great choice for a more formal and pricey meal.

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  11. It sounds like a fantastic place.

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  12. Finally took the wife here the Friday after Thanksgiving. Reminded me of the service and clientele at Le Perigord (where I took the wife fifteen years ago). Great recommendation, service was outstanding, Alain came to the table to suggest a wine. Tough to find a combination of comfortable yet upscale haute cuisine that is not trendy like this anymore.

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  13. I know I'm digging up bones on this 5+ year old thread, but I remembered this post and an Instagram post of yours from over a year ago recommending LPP. Went tonight for the first time with the GF to celebrate our 4th anniversary, just a little overdue on your suggestion, having been in Chicago for almost 3 years and just now making our first trip. I know you're a man of good taste and LPP didn't disappoint. Food was tremendous, and ambience was understated old school class. Alain serving as bartender, owner, and maître d is quite a character and you can tell he cares about the restaurant and his patrons. Highly recommend and will go again. Only regret of the night is not mentioning you Tintin...not sure if we would have had better or worse service but sure he would love to know you still think fondly enough of his place to recommend it to others!

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