Cochon Volant Chicago – Classic Cuisine Serving Fine French Foods
By Patricia Ruiz
Cochon Volant Chicago (translated: “Flying Pig”) is an elegant respite from the more frequented sit-downs in the popular theatre district of Chicago. This French bar/bistro/bakery/market blends traditional French cuisine with trendy eats, and is happy to wine and dine you on your business lunch for two or dinner party of ten. Cochon Volant is open at select hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. The bar menu is available every day from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the day, a beautiful bakery counter serving French favorites will be waiting to greet you.
On a Tuesday night, the bar was bustling, and the dining room was humming with the conversations of business dinners and friendly reunions. At first glance, the menu showcased Cochon Volant’s shellfish and seafood specialties, as these options occupied every section. Next to note was the Prime Steak Frites section, featuring dry aged beef and a market price Filet Mignon that is so flirtatiously described as “while it lasts.”
After enjoying a couple pre-dinner cocktails, we were tempted by the traditional offerings on the menu and chose to start with the Escargot Magnifique du Jour – classic Buttery Snails accented with Roquefort, served piping hot and nestled in a cast-iron vessel. We also ordered the Charbroiled Oysters with Bernaise, Pecorino and Toast. Both dishes served well as small and rich bites to precede our French meal.
Whenever I visit a French restaurant in Chicago, I almost always order the Steak Frites. My appetite for powerful flavors whetted by the escargot, I skipped over the Classique version, served with Maitre’d Butter and Bernaise, and chose the Roquefort version. This Dry Aged Steak was topped with a Broiled Cap of Bleu Cheese and accompanied by Hand-cut Fries.
My companion ordered the White Fish with Capers, Brown Butter and Lemon. The simplicity of the white fish allowed us to appreciate the individual flavors, and it paired well with a side of Sautéed Cauliflower, deglazed with Onion Soup Broth. It is also worth mentioning that although we didn’t order it, the Cheeseburger Royale was often suggested and praised.
The dessert menu at Cochon Volant Chicago was delivered verbally by our French waiter. On special this night was Key Lime Pie, Crème Brulee and Dark Chocolate Mousse. Finding it hard to turn down anything chocolate, we chose the Dark Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Sea Salt. Served in a mug large enough to share, the mousse was rich, but the crunchy pieces of sea salt were the unexpected highlight of the dessert. While the choices seemed commonplace, the quality was certainly not, so don’t think to pass on dessert.
Cochon Volant Chicago is thoroughly classical French dining with a light, pressure-free atmosphere so that every guest feels comfortable and welcomed. Every item on the menu is described and composed simply and with few ingredients, but everything we ordered fulfilled the flavors expected. The chefs at Cochon Volant Chicago have achieved providing rich, impressive dishes without overdoing it. Merci Beaucoup!
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