Shrimp & Chicken Perlau at Wisma

(Videography by Todd Rosenberg)

We continue our grazing exercise through The Chicago French Market this month, with a trip to the Wisma kiosk. Chef John des Rosiers has been tackling the suburbs for a few years now, setting up shop at Inovasi in Lake Bluff and more recently, Moderno in Highland Park. But he’s also begun a high-end grab-and-go concept called Wisma, which began in the ‘burbs, and now has a small area tucked near the back of the French Market. Think Dean & Deluca-style quick service, from elaborately constructed salads to a range of heat-and-eat entrees. One of my favorites from  the latter camp: a shrimp and chicken perlau (steamed rice dish), kind of like a pilaf, which has its origins in the American South. Not a bad way to spend your limited lunch hour in the West Loop.