Les Nomades
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 649-9010
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- St Clair Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Grand
- Specialties:
- French Food
- Best of Citysearch:
- Fine Dining 2007
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm , Fri-Sat 5pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Les Nomades – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Back in the '80s and early '90s, Les Nomades was a private club, and this intimate, two-story Streeterville townhouse still has an exclusive, members-only feel. A small sitting area with wood-burning fireplace adjoins a small dining room, where warm golden walls, mirrors and wrought-iron accents impart a classic, sophisticated feel. The crowd is mature and sophisticated, servers friendly and efficient.
The Food
The restaurant's French fare is simple and clean, with a harmony of flavor and texture that is often stunning. A series of masterful terrines show up frequently on the changing menu, as in an exquisitely composed roasted-beet salad with bright-green dill sauce and a rich, creamy terrine of Roquefort and walnut. Entrees are superb, from smoky pan-seared sea bass with chanterelle mushroom sauce and root vegetables to lovely duo of duck, the sweet breast meat perfectly complementing the rich confit. For dessert, souffles are lovely and lighter-than-air.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThere is no a la carte menu. Diners may choose from prix-fixe menus of four courses for $90 or five courses for $105.
The ExtrasCell phones and loud conversation are not allowed. It sounds uptight, but you'll be thankful for the calm, serene atmosphere.
User Reviews for Les Nomades
09/16/2007 Posted by genesasia
When my sister came to visit, I took her and her family to Les Nomades. I was concerned about how it would go because my sister lives in New York and has frequent access to many wonderful restaurants, and so she is not easily impressed. I am happy to say that both the service and the food were outstanding. We had a wonderful meal and I was very satisfied with the experience. I would definitely go back.
Pros: Outstanding food and service
Cons: none
05/12/2007 Posted by mrkevin
Our party of four loved the hushed atmosphere in this comfortable, intimate Streeterville townhouse this evening. The clientèle at Les Nomades are Chicago's upper crust: established, wealthy, and mature. The new menu under Chris Nugent has a great mix of wild game and fowl, along with signature dishes. We were greeted with knowledgeable, friendly waiters who made us feel at home. Everything at this restaurant has a hand-picked, custom feel to it; even the olives in a martini or the whole grain sourdough bread served in the bread basket. The cuisine soars here, from the amuse bouche of smoked salmon, a sweetbread puff, and a tiny mushroom soup terrine with white truffle foam to the melt-in-your-mouth venison loin. While the portions are small, the flavors are large and satisfy. If you have an appetite, I would opt for the 5 course meal at $112. Among our choices, stand outs were the langoustine and scallop appetizer, the asparagus with poached egg, the hearty lamb portion, and the amazingly light and airy passion fruit soufflé. The fish courses were delicious, but rather small, and we all wished there had been more than just two options on the menu. A minor disappointment was my veal loin: ordered medium rare but arrived medium well. The wine list was overwhelming and 90% French. The service was about 90% perfect, but there were some tiny issues that detract from a restaurant of this quality. While our decanted wine and water was constantly filled, we did wait a bit between our fish and main course, and then waited to have our main course plates cleared. The diner next to us was disappointed that her red wine was served chilled. These are small quibbles, but when everything seems to be designed for a perfect experience, little things stand out. Dessert course included an extra plate for the table of tiny homemade chocolate mint candies, orange jellies, mini meringues, and cookies. Expect to spend over $200 per person with tip.
Pros: Ambience, Food Quality and Preparation
Cons: Service was nearly perfect
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