In an era of food chains and carbon-copy restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place that still believes in the purity and simplicity of home-grown food. However, chef Paul Virant cures his own meat and works hard to find ingredients locally for his contemporary American cuisine inspired by Western European fare at Vie in Western Springs.
The restaurant has a modern look with leather banquettes and glass tile, the walls painted shades of white and gray. I have to admit, I wasn⿿t a big fan of the bum-chilling aluminum chairs, but the soft lighting and wood-burning fireplace add a touch of warmth to the atmosphere.
Revolving around ingredients⿿ availability, the menu changes seasonally, but it always offers the best flavors and cooking techniques. Nothing is over-seasoned; rather, the chef allows the ingredients to complement the entrée, permitting the natural taste to stand out. Also, an extensive wine list is available, offering several vintages from smaller businesses.
From fantastic fish plates to tender meat dishes, you can be sure that everything here is cooked to a Vie.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) SiFu Renka (1, 2)
Vie ($$$$): 4471 Lawn Ave (Western Springs); 708-246-2082
Lounge/Bar
Mon ⿿ Thurs: 5:00 p.m. ⿿ 11:00 p.m.
Fri ⿿ Sat: 5:00 p.m. ⿿ 12 midnight
Dining Room
Mon ⿿ Thurs: 5:00 p.m. ⿿ 10:00 p.m.
Fri ⿿ Sat: 5:00 p.m. ⿿ 10:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Metra Burlington Northern Santa Fe Line train (Western Springs)
http://www.vierestaurant.com/
Tags: American-contemporary, chicago, cocktails, dinner, fireplace, french, full bar, lounge, organic, Restaurants, spirits, suburbs, wheelchair access, wine
