Chicago Restaurant Week 2014

A bright spot in Chicago’s winter is coming soon via Chicago Restaurant Week 2014.

For 14 days, from January 24 to February 6, Chicagoans can head indoors to dine at participating restaurants across the city and suburbs – at special prices.

With prix fixe lunch menus available for $22, and dinner prix fixe menus priced at $33 or $44, it’s the ideal time to make your way through your list of the French restaurants you’ve been meaning to try in the city and the suburbs.

For those of us who have been stuck indoors dealing with the cold and the snow, it’s time to start dreaming of indulging in traditional and nouveau French gastronomic delights at unbeatable prices. These days, I’ve been ordering in way too much, and it’s time to head out on the town with a group of friends.

Say “oui” to dining at some of Chicago’s top French restaurants

With Chicago Restaurant Week spanning two weeks this year, you have plenty of time to challenge yourself to see how many French restaurants you can mark off your list – and be sure to revisit some of your old favorites, too.

This year, more than 15 French restaurants are participating in the annual culinary celebration in the city alone – with more French dining options available in the suburbs. A few of my favorite Chicago standouts include:

Bistro Campagne, 4158 N. Lincoln Ave. (Lincoln Square/Ravenswood)

This neighborhood bistro offers French dishes made with organic food products. Bistro Campagne always tops the list of word-of-mouth recommendations of my friends and family, often raving about the food, wine and ambiance.

Bistro Voltaire, 226 W. Chicago Ave. (River North)

My former French teacher always said Bistro Voltaire was her favorite, and the most authentic French restaurant in Chicago. It offers reasonably priced, classic French food in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave. (Gold Coast)

Bistronomic offers a modern-day take on traditional French favorites in the heart of Chicago. It now offers a plat du jour on its menu, and each one has looked incredible.

Bistrot Margot, 1437 N. Wells St. (Old Town)

Bistrot Margot is the place I seek out for traditional French cuisine like Soupe à l’oignon Lyonnaise and Tilapia aux noix served up in a casual and cozy environment. It’s a great place to go with your significant other or a group of friends, too.

Chez Moi, 2100 N. Halsted St. (Lincoln Park)

Chez Moi is known for its classic French dishes served up with a healthy dose of joie de vivre. That’s why it is high on my list of new French restaurants to try in 2014.

Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West (Lincoln Park)

Chicago’s Mon Ami Gabi is a beloved classic French bistro that overlooks Lincoln Park. I can never resist its Steak Frites served up 11 different ways, including: Merlot (red wine sauce, merlot butter); Au Poivre (brandy peppercorn sauce); Dijon (Dijon mustard butter) and Roquefort (blue cheese sauce).

Troquet, 1834 W. Montrose Ave. (Lincoln Square/Ravenswood)

Troquet is a neighborhood French bar run by the LM Restaurant Group. It brings a touch of Paris to Chicago – in a casual setting. Go along and experience Paris in Chicago!

You can search the full list of participating Chicago Restaurant Week 2014 restaurants online.

Given the popularity of the annual event, it’s always a good idea to make your dining reservations in advance. Be sure to ask for the special Chicago Restaurant Week menu upon arrival at your restaurant of choice. Bon appétit!

Do you plan on participating in Chicago Restaurant Week 2014? Which French restaurants would you like to dine at this year? Please share your recommendations in the comments below.