Maison Parisienne

In Chicago, Food & Beverages September 27, 2016

Three friends from Paris moved to Chicago to open a small cafe called Maison Parisienne. One is a recent culinary school graduate, one grew up cooking in her parent’s bistro, the other is the manager. They only knew a couple of people before moving here, none of them in the food industry. They transformed a formerly bright, colorful Mexican restaurant into a simple, happy, inviting cafe.

We tried the coffee by Intelligentsia, the Quiche of the Day (which was Lorraine), the broccoli tart, apple tart, lemon tart, an eclair, and their croissants. The Boeuf Bourguignon is only offered during the weekends.

You can’t help but ask a lot of questions just to hear their soft, French accents. You can’t help but root for them, knowing how cold and tough Chicago (and some Chicagoans) can be. You can’t help but think about that pivotal, bold leap of faith you did or didn’t take in your own life. And you can’t help but love that the French don’t say “Live well.” They say, “Eat well!”

Mangez bien!