Blanchard Ryan Burns THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Blanchard

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Blanchard Awards

French brasserie fare finds a stylish home in Lincoln Park.
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sun.

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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Blanchard, Chicago, IL


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Blanchard Restaurant Review:



About the restaurant & décor: The Blanchard makes the most of its serene setting in Lincoln Park. Come summer, locals fill up its patio at the end of a quiet street, while the interior reflects the majesty of the vintage apartment building that the restaurant anchors. Refined enough for parents and in-laws and quiet enough for date night, the space doesn’t feel overly formal despite its white tablecloth presentation and tony address. Modern art lines subtle grey walls, which are awash in light from the perimeter windows. An exhibition kitchen is close enough for curious guests but it isn't a distraction.

Likes: Artful food presentation.
Dislikes: Sleepy interior.

Food & Drinks: Executive chef Ryan Burns took over as top toque after a stint as in-house chef de cuisine. He executes French classics with panache. Choose the roasted foie gras to start, the sweet version loaded with flavors of banana and black walnut, tropical fruit and olive oil jam. Spice roasted carrots are also a standout, thanks to cardamom, crème fraîche, barley and orange. Steak au poivre --- with roasted bone marrow and a bordelaise sauce --- could use more poivre. Coq au vin, a signature dish, is soaked with burgundy sauce and gets extra earthiness from crispy pork belly. Finish with decadent milk chocolate mousse. A tight wine list includes a perfectly balanced 2015 Eric Louis Sancerre.