Living in Chicago, there are a few restaurants that are considered a “must try.” Avec is certainly one of these. Sitting next to Blackbird, one of its sister restaurants, the cedar interior draws a passerby in almost like a vortex – everything running clean horizontally from two feet beyond the front storefront to the sharp rear wall of the dining room. Separated into two sides, one consisting of communal tables for eight and the other a 48-foot stainless steel bar with full kitchen, walking into Avec feels like walking into an ultra-modern house belonging to a long, lost family member.
With such an inviting, European boutique wine list, it’s hard not to endulge, but I wanted to use the wait staff’s knowledge to my benefit, so I decided on food first – then asked for a pairing. Since all the dishes are served to share, we decided on two small dishes and one large plate. The large plate, La Quercia prosciutto with marinated ruby red grapefruit, cucumber, mint, red onion and gin vinaigrette, came out first, served tossed on a long, linear, crisp, white tray. Being a warm June evening, it was the perfect summer dish, and something that mid-Feburary dreams are made of. Of course, the salty prosciutto slaps you in the face after the fresh cucumber and grapefruit hits your tongue. After the large, but light, plate was finished, we were served our two small dishes simultaneously - Braised baby octopus with Meyer lemons, olive oil poached cherry tomatoes, roast green garlic and cilantro, and Chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates with smoked bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. I must admit – I went in knowing I was going to order the Chorizo-stuffed dates – it was in virtually every review on Yelp.com….and as much as I loved it, it came in third tonight behind the prosciutto and the WONDERFUL baby octipus. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for cilantro, and it made this dish – but only after you were blown away by the freshness of the octipus, cherry tomatoes, and green garlic. This was a celebration of taste – and I’ll order this dish every time I go back to Avec – which hopefully will be soon and often.
Avec is one of the “hot spots” in Chicago that truly lives up to its name. Not overpriced (but expensive enough to make the “special evening” list), open on Sundays, walk in friendly (only, actually), wonderfully designed, wonderfully staffed, and FUN – this place is another gem on Chicago’s exciting West side, and quite close to a perfect dining experience. I urge anyone who loves life and food to check it out.
