baguette – Hillary Weller

Restaurant Week 2014: Mon Ami Gabi

This is part of a series of posts about Chicago Restaurant Week 2014, held January 24–February 6. Check out the 2013 recap, or browse all Restaurant Week coverage.

Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi

Best Bite: When it comes to French bistro fare, steak frites is about as classic as it gets, and this version was transportive. The well-seasoned steak was a tender medium-rare, the frites were especially crispy, and the peppery sauce was rich with just enough creaminess. The mini dessert trio was just as well executed, though; and I was certainly relieved to not have to choose between mousse and crème brûlée. See full menu.

Dessert trio with chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, and meyer lemon sorbet

Other notes: The oven-roasted escargots were an indulgent start to the meal, but perhaps even better was dipping pieces of our still-hot baguette into the leftover garlic-herb butter. I couldn’t let those remnants go to waste! The cozy bistro environs were perfect for discussing exciting upcoming travel plans with two girlfriends, especially over a food-friendly Côtes du Rhône red.

The details: Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago.

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2013 Best Bite #20: Breakfast sandwich, Floriole Cafe & Bakery

Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.

Breakfast sandwich of baked egg on baguette with butterkase and bacon

Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: I’ve sampled Floriole’s beautifully crafted pastries at markets and coffee shops all over the city, but didn’t make it into the bakery itself until one rainy fall morning. Creamy baked egg and a smooth layer of butterkase cheese hid beneath a giant X of bacon strips draped over the baguette, making this simple, filling breakfast sandwich one of my favorites this year. And I always appreciate a great fruit cup on the side — this one even had figs! Once I added in a latte and a good book, I officially forgot about the storm outside.

The details: Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave., Chicago.