Le Lan

There really aren't many restaurants that do the French Asian cuisine. There's Viet places, but I mean the more elegant French Asian fusion, for which Le Colonial has a fine reputation. Here's what Le Colonial doesn't have: a chef named Chad Starling. He's really doing some fine things in Le Lan's kitchen. I can't wait to go back for more. I went on a Friday night, somewhat concerned that I was underdressed and that the place would be too crowded. It was nice-but-casual, and not too crowded -- just right. I was alone, so I sat at the bar. The house Riesling is delicious. Chef Chad sent out an amuse bouche, which was a melt-in-your-mouth piece of sashimi (I think it was yellowtail) with something frizzy on it, like radish shaving, and a flavored oil, I think. Don't know what the hell it was, but it sure amused my bouche. The entrees looked great, but I was in the mood for appetizers. I started with the Young Thai coconut soup, which was one of the best soups I have ever tasted. I cook a little myself, and I do soups, and this one made me envious. I also sampled some duck dumplings, which I wanted more of. I don't mean the order was small; I mean I wanted seconds. The homemade spring rolls are light for fried food, and the filling once again reflected the chef's knack for marrying flavors. I can't wait to have some of these entrees and will review again when I do. The night I went, the bartender was also waiting tables, and the wait staff sometimes tended their own drinks. They just do it this way. Maybe it fosters helpfulness on the part of the staff, but I don't care for it. It makes the place look harried and short-staffed, even though it's not.

Pros: Chef Starling, the soup

Cons: a bit pricey

Posted 01/08/09

I had an amazing time at Le Lan. Everything that needed to go right that night went right. From the amazingly courteous staff (hostess, waiters, sommelier) to the delicious food (we had quail foie gras (sp???) and the venison and it was delicious). I had arranged for the desert before hand and they were very receptive and helpful in assisting me with the surprise. I highly recommend this place for anyone wishing to have a friendly and romantic experience.

Posted 10/27/08

I was excited to try Le Lan for the first day the other night, unfortunately the food was terrible. My soup had far too much salt and tasted as though someone had made some serious mistakes measuring. Even worse, my fish entree was severely undercooked and I had to send it back immediately. Later that night confirmation came in the form of severe food po isoning (won't get in the specifics here but let's just say it wasn't pretty). All in all I would say this was not a good dining experience: the staff was ambivalent, prices were super high and the food was literally sickening.

Pros: none

Cons: Horrible Food, expensive and rude service

Posted 09/21/08

Wow, talk about A+ service! My husband and I went there for our 4th Anniversary and were blown away by the attentive and thoughful service. Our menus were personalized and we were given a number of complimentary tastings.

For an appetizer, we ordered sashimi over an avocado puree complemented by bl**d oranges and wakame. I tried my best not to lick the plate. For an entree, my husband had the NY Strip Steak, drizzled with curry butter or something. Don't quote me on that. It was served with sauteed greens and a red coconut rice of sorts. Honestly, my husband wasn't very excited about the steak - gave it a so-so review:( He really, really wanted to like it. But, he loved everything else.

I, on the other hand, had the bouillabaise which consisted of 10 different types of seafood. The broth was very tasty and light. I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed eating all of my husbands sides. Oh, and I had the coconut polenta cakes over habanero peppers. That was pretty tasty as well. It would have been better if I had some type of sauce drizzled over it.

And for dessert, we had gingerbread with spiced pear puree and ice cream and probably a few more goodies that I can't remember. The flavor was rich, but the bread was too dense for my taste. I still ate it all. They did give us an anniversary Creme Brulee - which was divine.

Overall, I loved the service. I thought the value was great because of all of the extras. Otherwise, it may have been just slightly overpriced - just a tad. And I can't guarantee if you'll get all the extras. The food was good for the most part. I didn't want to stop eating:)

Posted 03/16/08

We went to Le Lan to celebrate our anniversary, and I had called a month in advance for reservations, letting them know we were celebrating. I also asked about veg food options before making a reservation and they assured me that they did vegetarian all the time and had plenty of options. When we arrived, we had to wait 15 minutes for our table. Then they gave us a table in the corner (they have a cool round table on one end, that of course, they didnt give to us). Although the food was good, I was disappointed that they actually only have a couple dishes that were veg, and only 1 entree option. So although the decor and atmosphere was nice, I would not recommend this place esp if you are vegetarian. There are plenty of other options in Chicago with better service and great food.

Posted 04/07/07

Although this restaurant has a romantic ambience, it is nice, but not too fancy. The food is great (mahi mahi was excellent) and the martini's are unique. The waitstaff made sure that we were enjoying our meal, and the chef even came out to season our soups. Overall, great ambience for a special dinner, great food, and excellent service. The prix fix menu is a good deal during the weekdays without being too expensive. Definitely a place to try!!

Posted 03/12/07

My husband and I went to Le Lan for our anniversary and we received the most top notch customer service we have had from a downtown restaurant in a long time . We were greeted with anniversary well wishes from the host to the coat checker, the waiters as well as the bus boys . We were seated right away . Our dinning experience began with 2 glasses of complimentary champagne . The heading on our menus was Happy Anniversary , which was just a lovely surprise. They informed us they do special headings on the menu depending on the occasion you are celebrating. We started with the delicious Young Thai Coconut Soup and the Mushroom Dumplings . For dinner we had the Sizzling Short Ribs and the Lobster special . Both dishes were flavorful and cooked to perfection . We finished our meal with the Chocolate Moelleux with star anise caramel and the Ice cream collection which were decadent with exceptional flavor. We had a truly romantic and satisfying anniversary celebration thanks to the staff and chef at Le Lan .

Pros: customer service , the chef, the ambience

Cons: none

Posted 03/03/07

FYI, they've changed chefs and the menu here. That is undoubtedly the reason for the diversity in reviews.

Posted 02/27/07

I would rate this place very average and am surprised by the high ratings from other people. When I tell friends I work with that I felt this place was overrated I get mixed reviews, some swear by, some agree with me.

I was impressed at first by the design of the restaurant; it was very comfortable and not too stuffy. I found the food to be very average thru the entire meal (minus desert). Unmemorable is the word I'd use. The waiter also takes a lot of time to tell you every ingredient used in the meal... some people may like this but I find it annoying.

Overall I'm glad I checked it out but will not plan on going back.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Average food

Posted 12/11/06

My husband and me cannot say enough great things about Le Lan. We were there recently for our 10th Anniversary and they really couldn't have made it more special. Starting from the moment we walked into the door, until we said our goodbyes, the service was absolutely impeccable, beautiful ambience, and wonderful food. This restaurant is a jewel and can be compared to any top of the line place that is out there, and goes beyond because they are not stuffy and pretentious. I cannot even begin to tell you the ways in which the staff at Le Lan made our anniversary special (I am omitting the specifics so that the surprise is better) and just when we thought it couldn't get better, it kept getting more wonderful. I am a vegetarian and they made special accomodations to make sure my dining experience was fantastic. I want to tell everyone and anyone about Le Lan because it is truly a phenomenal experience. We went on a Tuesday night and they have a fabulous prix fixe meal which is absolutely delicious and very very reasonable for the kind of service and attentiveness you get.

If you wanted to be treated like you are truly special, love good food, and a pretty atmosphere, then go to Le Lan. You will not be disappointed....

Pros: Great food, phenomenal service, and great ambience.

Posted 12/08/06

Le Lan is definiately in our top 10 Favorites for Chicago. The food and service is consistantly excellent! The $38 pre fixe on Tuesday is a great find and can't be beat. You order of their regular dinner menu. If you are a fish lover be sure to try the Bass or the Red Snapper. Both are wonderful and always difficult to choose between. You won't go wrong with either one though. They have a very extensive wine list (with one of our favorite wines Flowers - difficult to find) and the cocktails are great too! The Lychee Bellini is my personal favorite. If you haven't been here you don't know what you are missing! Be sure to save room for dessert - which btw is included in the pre-fixe dinner

Pros: GREAT, CREATIVE CUISINE, PROFESSIONAL WAITSTAFF

Cons: Too pricey to eat here everyday! Change up the menu seasonally would be nice.

Posted 10/31/06

There is a reson why there aren't any negative reviews of this restaurant.

Innovative menu. Consomme ++++, Marinated Pork/Veggy appetizer++++
Lamb +++ , Beef Tenderloin+++++ Strawberry Souffle ++++

You will be sitting close to other diners. Noise not too bad.

Tip - Try the Tuesday Prix Fixed ($38) 3 courses: 1 soup/salad, 1 entree, 1 dessert. What makes this unique is that ones' selections come from just about anything offered on the regular menu!

Would like to see Le Lan vary the menu in the future.

Pros: Best Restaurant For Food Pairings

Cons: More Asian Influence Than French

Posted 08/20/06

Though the prices can seem a little uninviting for just grabbing something to eat, this place is a great experience the minute you walk in the door (great date spot, small special occasion group, you get the idea). Staff is awesome, food is excellent, wine...mmmmm and dessert is oh so yummy! Don't expect the heaping portions though.

Pros: Everything! Just valet.

Posted 07/06/06

I was very excited to go to Le Lan and had high expectations. The restuarant itself is small and cozy. The service was great. I really enjoyed the fact that they were so approachable and easy going, without coming across as aloof. To me there is nothing worse than a pretentious staff that can ruin your evening.

The meal was outstanding. The flavors in everything we ordered was kept us one our toes. We kept trying to guess what the flavors were and what was used by the chef. For starters we ordered the Spicy Citrus Noodle Salad. The Asian greens and seaweed were fantastic. We then ordered the Duo of Vietnamese Spring Rolls. I especially enjoyed the cold rolls with a hint of mint. For an entrée I ordered the Organic Coconut Chicken. The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked. The flavors were out of this world.

Posted 02/19/06

The restaurant was quiet and pleasant without being stuffy (most patrons were dressed in sweaters and slacks). Our server was friendly and knowledeable, but not intrusive. The food was excellent. We had the foie gras dumpling (only 1) with pickled asian vegetables and the abalone mushrooms with watercress puree and truffle foam for appetizers and both were excellent. My entree was the beef tenderloin with red wine star anise sauce over quinoa. The beef and sauce were wonderful. The quinoa was too salty, but it was the only bad thing. The tiny chocolate cake filled with ganache over thyme and cinnamon anglaise was a wonderful dessert. The cardamom ice cream was excellent. Add 3 glasses of wine and it's the best $178 (including tip) that I've eaten. My only criticism is that the tables are VERY close together and not very private with a full restaurant.

Pros: flavors of food, good service, pleasant

Cons: tables too close, salty quinoa

Posted 12/29/05

Roland Liccioni and Arun Sampanthavivat have made "Le Lan" into an exceptional restaurant, which has refined the cuisine of Vietnam. The ambience itself is very romantic and quiet, not as boisterous as the typical Vietnamese restaurant found on Argyle Street, and the service is beyond great! Of course reservations and proper attire are suggested for a restaurant of this caliber, but it is very much worth the relatively high price! "Le Lan" can make a great place for a date, a business dinner, or even an intimate gathering between friends. I highly suggest "Le Lan" for a romantic night out!

Pros: Ambience, Food, Service

Posted 10/24/05

I've only been to Le Lan once, and I can't wait to go back. The space is elegant, but not at all stuffy feeling, and the food is amazing. Delicious spring rolls and dumplings, excellent service. Perfect for a special occasion.

Posted 03/15/05

Dined at Le Lan on a whim and will now become regulars. Thrilled with the attentive yet not overbearing service. From appetizer to dessert every dish was beautifully executed and the flavors were sublime. Create but not outrageous. Should give North Pond some competition for the Chicago foodies' devoution. A surprisingly great value for the quality of food, service and ambiance.
Don't miss the thyme ice cream it rivals the herb ice creams at the Inn at Little Washington.

Pros: food quality, waitstaff, setting

Posted 01/02/05

I live in this neighborhood and we were long needing a good new restaurant on Clark. I found it! The food, the ambience and the service were phenomenal. Try the foie gras...it melts in your mouth, every ounce of food I ate I loved. Our waiter was great too. Nothing but good things to say.

Posted 07/28/04