Le Bordeaux North

We've been going to Kiki Cuisances' various restaurants since he owned Le Bordeau on Madison Street. Every one of them has featured carefully planned and executed menus using quality ingredients. Love everything about Kiki's - atmosphere, food and wine, service and (especially) Kiki!

Posted 08/26/08

.
Searching for a restaurant in a city in which I do not live always makes me nervous--regardless the reviews. But on this trip to Chicago I was specifically seeking French. Not formal, intricate, complicated (stuffy) French but a warm, relaxed French Bistro that served relatively simple food and good wine. Not too pricey. Kiki's menu won (although I was concerned about a few of the lesser diner reviews). I was not disappointed. Our visit was Saturday May 10@9pm. The restaurant was full but not uncomfortably packed. It was cozy and inviting. We were seated quickly (had reservations). Our server was fantastic: attentive and perceptive without interrupting. She made an excellent wine suggestion (bottle) based on my specific parameters. We had the Ragot de Champignon as an excellent starter. I ordered the Breast of Duck with Leg Confit with red cabbage and wild rice w/mushrooms (Margret de Conard avec son confit) and my companion the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with potato puree (more like scalloped) and spinach with a black truffle butter and port. Both came out timely, cooked to perfection, and were incredibly delicious. We both loved our selections. I will say that the duck was particularly noteworthy since duck (I think) can be disappointing when not done well. It was notably superior to the duck entree I ordered at The Pump Room last November (and at least half the price). We ended the meal with well brewed (re: strong) coffee and the profiteroles (that willingly swapped the vanilla ice cream for amaretto in a few of the puffs at my request) and they were equally scrumptious. The entire meal ended up a delicious, luscious memory. And it will be on my list of required stops on my next trip to Chicago.

Pros: Small, cozy, great service

Cons: slippery floors when wearing high heels

Posted 05/13/08

This place was great! I loved the cozy atmosphere and the host was very friendly. I went on a Saturday night were it was very packed and we got seated right away with no reservations. The wine and food was delicious and the dessert was amazing. Also the price was very reasonable. I went with my husband and we will defiantly go back again.

Pros: Food and friendliness

Cons: none

Posted 01/31/08

Our friends decided to take us to this restaurant b/c we requested French food. This place was sorely disappointing. I ordered the scallops as an appetizer -- a dish that was recommended on this site. The scallops were way too salty. But it got worse -- I ordered the lamb chops. First, they were tiny, mostly bone and very little meat. Then I couldn't even cut into the lamb b/c the meat was so tough. And then when I finally managed to get a piece into my mouth, it tasted bad. Little seasoning and horrible aftertaste. The mashed potatoes were even bad. Dessert was decent -- we ordered the berries with cream, which was actually quite good but how can you mess that up, and also ordered a bread pudding which was just mediocre. Overall a very bad experience. There are much better french restaurants in Chicago!

Posted 10/03/07

The restaurant is extremely cosy and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. There are wines that range from moderately-priced to high-end and the staff will help you select the best to meet your price point. We got a great bottle for only $35. The food is well-priced and delivers on taste. The escargot and sea scallops apps are amazing. The strip steak was a little dry, but the tenderloin was great. There are so many options on the menu you can't go wrong. The experience was great, would definetely go back. Great for those visiting and want to get out of the tourist traps.

Posted 08/01/07

This place is classic, memorable and the food is delicious! Loved every bite of everything I have ever ordered. Great place.

Posted 08/17/05

Understated elegance in a warm and cozy setting. Very romantic with subdued lighting and a low noise level. Excelent food, not only in taste and preparation but also presentation. Very knowledgable service staff who know every small detail about their food.

Pros: Attemtion, Service, Quality

Cons: Location

Posted 07/04/05

Careless preparations, thin flavorless sauces, haphazard presentation and a worn atmosphere. Kiki's Bistro must be living on its early reputation. Every item served at our table from a few lonely slices of bread in basket to a flavorless pear on overcooked pastry was done without the extra thought or imagination you would expect of a restaurant with Kiki's pretensions. Wines by the glass are poor quality and over priced, the wine list is short, uninteresting and overpriced. There are better alternatives for a bistro dinner.

Pros: Fair prices, attentive service, lively atmosphere

Cons: unimaginative, careless preparation, overpriced wine

Posted 11/09/02

Delicious food, outstanding service, and a cozy atmosphere! It's a bit pricey but I would recommend this charming gem to anyone.

Posted 11/01/02

best bistro in chicago,and if you like to practice your french this the place to be,lunch or dinner oolala.almost everybody speaks french.

Cons: the front door need H

Posted 10/22/02

The food is traditionally french... and if you like true french cuisine, this is the place!! The atomosphere, service, and lighting provide the right touches to make you feel as if you were in a bistro somewhere outside Paris. You can feel confortable enjoying a fine laid-back meal, or as the french do, you can ignore your surroundings and be as romantic as you desire.

Pros: Authentic Bistro Food, Ambience, Service

Cons: Not too much near by

Posted 10/15/02

I love the atmosphere in this little bistro--it's warm, welcoming, comfortable, convivial and intimate. Great for a really nice, casual-feeling date or dinner with friends. Patrons range from dressed-up-for-a-night-on-the-town to dressed-down-after-a-day-of-shopping. Service is gracious. And the food, of course, is excellent with rich flavors and attractive, but not showy presentation. Start with the plump seared scallops or super-rich pate. Fish is an excellent choice as is the fall-off-the-bone lamb shank with reduced jus--so good.

Pros: Reasonable prices, Great service, Lively atmosphere

Cons: Can get noisy

Posted 09/12/02

I have been to Kiki's 3 times. Every experience has been extaordinary. The food is amazing and very attractively priced. the service has always been helpful.

Pros: prices, food, service

Cons: parking

Posted 06/25/02

I highly recommend this restaurant. I have eaten here a number of times and have always been impressed with the food, service and atmosphere.
A nice French place without being stuffy or pretentious; tasty food that is priced right; friendly service that is well versed in their menu.
Good choice for a couple or group.

Posted 06/25/02