avec

Due to the nature of my job, I’m invariably asked about my “favorite” places in town. Lula Cafe, Bang Bang Pie, The Publican, Gogi BBQ and Smoque usually come up in conversation, but so does avec. Since it opened next door to Blackbird, it’s been not only the go-to for food industry vets, but also for visitors to town who really love to eat. This is eating with gusto too – chorizo-stuffed medjool dates; thin and crispy focaccia with taleggio; seasonal crostini, the list is too long to mention. Combined with Eduard Seitan’s inspired list of hard-to-find wines from the Mediterranean, and you have a Chicago classic I never get tired of.

avec

615 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661; (312) 377-2002