A Brasserie on Broadway

***** When one looks at the definition of “Brasserie” one sees that they started to appear in France during the early 1800’s, They were located in the district where theaters were and served as a place for actors and actresses to eat and drink between performances. It then evolved into a “restaurant” serving informal meals. Chicago has many theater districts and in each, there are restaurants that greet the theatre audience members either before or after the performance. In Edgewater, a neighborhood on the North side, there are many smaller theater companies that cater to the artsy crowd. Why not a restaurant that is geared toward the audiences and also for the performers ( an actor has to eat too!)?

There is a place! The name is Brasserie By C and C and it is located at 5838-40 N. Broadway. A great location as it is close to the major arteries and highways, public transportation, and there are theaters in every direction less than ten minutes away. Jane and I visited this charming restaurant this evening. Under most circumstances, we do a review with four diners so we can taste many items, but tonight was different. Brasserie By C & C has a smaller menu as they do special Pre-fixe menus including one that is tied to the hot TV series “The Bear”. The chef, Jesse and the owner. Chef Brad met us and discussed their menu items. Then they went to the kitchen to prep for the reservations on hand and put us in the hands of our server, Mia. Not only does she have a great smile, but she knows the menu in total and was able to answer each and every question Jane threw at her. (Jane can have many questions on a menu).

Our drinks were well poured. I had my usual Vodka Martini and Jane had a fruity drink as we enjoyed their Butter Board (house-made sourdough of the day and a duo of butter and seasonal toppings). This was delicious and the flavors were amazing. Jane felt like this was a cheese board, but after a few tastes realized that these were special butter created to be different and delicious. We also had an item called “Duck, Duck, Goose Spring Roll ( duck confit, Bella Farms Foie Gras, cabbage, pickled veggies and plum sauce that is to die for). This was amazing!

We skipped the salads ( two marvelous choices) as Chef Jesse sent out an item that is not on the menu. Gnocchi and Short Ribs served almost like a stew. Jane and I had talked about ordering both items from the menu, and as if the Chef had read our minds, he prepared a special (off-the-menu item) that was exactly what we had spoken about. I must say, this was probably the best Gnocchi I have ever had and the combination of short ribs and veggies made it extra special. WOW! When you go there, ask if this has become an item ON the menu.

We selected the Steak Frites ( prime sirloin, hand cut fries with chimchurri butter and bordelaise sauce) and the crispy skin salmon with corn and local squash succotash, sweet corn veloute, and Persil lade ( this may have been the best salmon ever)!

For our desert we selected the Madagascar Vanilla Crème Brule ( fresh fruit, whipped cream fraiche tuile) the perfect way to top off this absolutely scrumptious meal.

Brasserie By C & C does some very special things for their diners including a special pre-fixe for “THE BEAR” ( the TV series that is all about cooking and chefs). The menu has items from particular episodes making each and every meal an adventure. What a great way to dine out! Instead of just going out to a restaurant where you pick and choose from a menu, why not dine on a themed meal that will give you something to talk about while dining and after to relate to your freinds. To learn more or make a reservation you can go to their website www.brasseriebycandc.com.  

They are located at 5938 N. Broadway. There is metered parking and plenty of it. If you enjoy outside dining they have tables on the sidewalks of Broadway, but inside, you will find an extraordinary dining room and a wonderful bar with “high tops”, booths and tables.

They are open for dinner Thursdays, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. until Midnight ( so a perfect late night for AFTER the play. They are very close to several area theaters ( walking distance for some). The phone number is 773-769-2900

Reservations are the best way to go. If you are doing a pre-fixe including The Bear, it is suggested that YOU DO make reservations.

“The Bear Menu” has items from several episodes and in addition, your hosts will surprise you with extras.

I can tell you that our experience was one to remember and that we plan on going back to try more of the items we saw pass us by as we enjoyed our selections.