restaurant of the month - october 2009

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Chez Jacques, Paris without the attitude...sometimes.

Chez Jacques for authentic taste of France

IF YOU’VE postponed your trip to France because the dollar buys fewer and fewer crepes, the next best thing is lunch or dinner at Chez Jacques where the dollar still goes a long way and French is definitely spoken.

“I learned how to cook from my mother,” says owner Jacques Chaumet who grew up in Montpellier in the south of France. Chaumet came to the U.S. in 1993 and began offering his country French specialties at Jacques French Café on S. 2nd St. In 2007, he moved into expanded quarters at 1022 S. 1st St. and renamed the restaurant Chez Jacques.

Chaumet calls his popular entrees “simple, country recipes,” a description that is confirmed by a loyal clientele – including one Milwaukee attorney who owns a vacation property in France. Chaumet also believes authentic French cuisine should be reasonably priced.

Stroll through the doors and you’ll be greeted with the ambiance of a French country inn. Many hours went into giving this restaurant’s interior an Old World patina. Enhancing the atmosphere when the weather permits is a pleasant outdoor wine garden.

Like both rural and urban restaurants in France, Jacques offers cuisine that uses the freshest ingredients, prepared with a distinctive flair. We can’t think of a better way to start the day than with breakfast items such as fresh baked croissants, a Parisian breakfast (croissant, orange juice and coffee), French (what else) toast and quiche (either Lorraine or vegetable) with fruit. Special omelettes come with potatoes and toast.

Luncheon specials range from a variety of crepes – chicken curry, smoked salmon, caramelized apples and banana Nutella – to distinctively French salads, sandwiches and gourmet plates.

Appetizers on the dinner menu include escargot, and entrees range from veal medallions to sea scallops. Roasted duck and vegetarian pasta add to the variety. Gourmet plates also are great choices when paired with a glass of wine. Jacques handpicks his wines, again assuring customers of a true French experience.

The staff may suggest an aperitif such as a Kir Royal or Dubonnet. Of course, your favorite espresso drink is available here. And any drink is made even better when paired with one of the chef’s delectable desserts. Crème Brulee or Mousse au Chocolat are just two of the choices.

Private parties are welcome. Catering is available, as are take-outs and local delivery, if you call 672-1040 in advance. Chez Jacques is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Information on special programs is available at www.chezjacques.com.

In a city that takes pride in ethnic restaurants that look and feel like counterparts in the old countries, Chez Jacques is the real thing – Milwaukee’s only restaurant owned and operated by a Frenchman.