Troquet: Out of the (South) Loop, but worth the trip

From the inside looking out at Troquet

Troquet in Ravenswood
Troquet at 1834 W. Montrose  calls itself as a neighborhood French bar. We’ve been to a few French bars, but we’re hardly experts, so we’ll have to take their word for it. One thing is for sure, if you’re interested in good food and drink at moderate prices, you can’t go wrong. Only open since March of this year, Troquet has quickly developed a loyal following. On a steaming Thursday evening at 7 p.m., it was practically full to capacity. It’s dining area isn’t incredibly large, but there is ample outdoor seating, when the weather cooperates. The menu isn’t large, but they do have daily specials, which keeps things interesting. There are no entrees over $12, all of which are served with French fries (pommes frites) and salad.

Salmon served with salad and pommes frites

Our recent visit
On our visit we had the mussels with fries. The mussels, from Washington State, were tender and flavorful in a light sauce that our waiter suggested we use as a dip for our French fries. Good tip! The fries were excellent: hot, crisp, nicely seasoned and served with a mayonnaise sauce (just in case you didn’t like the sauce from the mussels). The soup of the day was cold carrot, which was ideal on the hot evening we visited. For the main course we ordered the fish of the day: grilled salmon. The salmon was expertly prepared. It was moist and flavorful. The manager suggested we put some of the mayonnaise sauce on the fish, which we did. Another good suggestion, even though we thought the salmon was flavorful enough on its own. We ended with mousee “Troquet” (chocolate and nutella) and Teurgoule (cinnamon rice pudding), the only two desserts on the menu. Both were excellent.

Easy to get to
Troquet is easy to get to from the South Loop using CTA. You can take the Red Line to Fullerton, switch to the Brown Line, and take it to the Montrose stop. From there, it’s less than a half block walk west.


Hours of operation
Troquet’s hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday noon to midnight; Friday and Saturday noon to 2 a.m. For more information, visit their Web site or call the restaurant at 773.334.5664. Troquet is owned by the same company (LM) that owns and operates Brasserie at 800 S. Michigan Ave.

Brasserie by LM to host June Neighbor’s Night Out

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The Greater South Loop Association is holding a “Neighbor’s Night Out” event at Brasserie by LM, 800 S. Michigan Ave., June 21, 2012 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to network, meet your neighbors, and reconnect with friends, while sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres and enjoying some drinks. A $10 donation includes two drink coupons and passed hors d’ oeuvres. Enjoy a great night out while you help support this new restaurant in the South Loop.

The GSLA is a not-for-profit neighborhood organization. For more information on the GSLA, please visit their Web site. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

To print and share the “Neighbor’s Night Out” flyer, click here to download.

South Loop Restaurant Offers Discount During NATO

Brasserie wants you to visit them during NATO.

Brasserie by LM is offering discounts during the NATO Summit this month. From Friday, May 18, through Monday, May 21, guests who identify themselves as a “neighbor “of Brasserie will receive a 20% discount on their food and drink order.

Not sure they’ll be asking for ID, but sounds like a great time to check out this new eatery.

Brasserie by LM is located at 800 S. Michigan Ave. Their hours of operation are Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Brasserie By LM Unveils Brunch Menu

Brasserie by LM, the recently opened traditional French brasserie in Chicago’s Essex Inn, 800 S. Michigan Ave., presents brunch. Led by Chef Partner Brad Phillips, Brasserie offers a modern and casual destination for brunch in the South Loop. Beginning May 5, guests can enjoy a weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM - 2 PM. In addition to the a la carte menu, a $25 mimosa and entrée special will be available.

Brasserie’s brunch menu will include traditional favorites as well as new creations with entrées, pastries and classic brunch items like French Toast ($10), LM Benedict ($10), Crepes ($10), Savory Tart ($7) Brasserie Burger ($12) and more. Guests can also enjoy Brasserie’s Croque menu which includes Croque Monsieur ($9), Croque Vegetable ($9) and Croque Salmon ($11). For an additional $2, guests can add an egg on top to any Croque to create a Croque Madame. Brasserie Bloody Marys and Mimosas will also be available for $7 each. The full menu is available upon request.