Fine dining in Roscoe Village

Highly Recommended ***** Many of my readers ( and listeners) know that I am a true “meat & potatoes” man, but every once in a while, I truly like to experience fine dining. About a year ago, I learned that one of my favorite restauranteurs, Sandy Chen, ( KOI in Evanston) was about to open up a different style dining spot in Chicago’s Roscoe Village. The restaurant,  Le Sud is French Mediterranean and the flavors and tastes are as unique as one might expect. The building is warm and the staff friendly. They are on a corner, located at 2301 West Roscoe ( one block East of Western Avenue) and they have a nice outside dining area ( for weather , other than what we experienced tonight). The dining room is warm and friendly and there is an alcove that faces the street. An upstairs bar and seating area handles the overflow and private parties. Ms. Chen has an eye for detail and every little thing is a delight for the eyes, as well as the taste buds.

The manager John introduced us to our waitress, Sandi who truly knows the menu and how each thing is prepared. Once again our friends Alan and Vickie joined Jane and me for this tasting. While we enjoyed our cocktails, we shared an order of scallops (mushroom soubise, shallot-bacon jam, dill shishito pepper), Octopus- Romesco sauce, lack olive caramel, potato pave, marcona almond, the Escargot ( snails in a blanket- a unique presentation) and some roasted carrots. We also enjoyed their soup of the day, a rich carrot curry combination that I enjoyed more than the rest as I seem to have formed a love of curry flavors as I have aged. As an extra soup, although on the menu it is  a meal ( and a huge one that is easily shared) is the  Bouillabaisse- mussels, prawns, Atlantic cod, potato, tomato, saffron broth and a fresh baguette- to die for!!!

The entrée’s were also divine. By the way, they always say you can judge a restaurant by its burgers ( which truly is a standard we all live by) so despite not ordering one, I watched several get served and they truly looked spectacular- take a look!

We ordered the half chicken with hasselback potato, arugula salad, chicken glace and mushroom duxelle and te Parisienne Gnocchi. I am a true Gnocci lover, but this was a unique way to deliver as it was a butternut squash, poached egg, hazelnuts brown butter and fried sage- different than I normally expect, but worth the trip to Roscoe Village just for this dish. The steak frites was a sheer delight to enjoy and the Trout Almondine sheer perfection. Every flavor was a sheer delight and never interfered with the others as we enjoyed tasting many of the items on this wide menu. Chef Kevin McMullen, you are an ARTIST! Club 77!

There were also special seasonal items and they offer a 3-course Prix Fixe dinner with one Premiere, one Deuxieme and one Dernier- speaking of Dernier ( dessert) we enjoyed the flavorful Orange Chocolate mousse and some home made ice cream as well as their daily sorbet served with Jane’s favorite, shortbread cookies. From start to finish, a wonderful meal that  with drinks was very easy on the pocketbook.

They are open for Dinner: Monday-Thursday  5 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Sundays   4 p.m.- 9 p.m.

They are open on Sunday for BRUNCH now at 11 a.m. and the menu is available all day. Items such as crepes,  Quiche Lorraine Tartine, Pasteries and more- I must tell you they pour a great drink and their coffee is sensational. For reservations, call 773-857-1985 or visit www.lesudchicago.com

the restaurant is located at 2301 West Roscoe Street with lots of free street parking and on a nice day, come early and walk the area. Lovely shops and dining spots as well as bakeries and some wonderful real estate. This is the perfect sister to KOI and now I understand they have a third place, on Wacker Drive, more of a lounge with food- stay tuned folks- next stop CLUB 77!