In a great food city like Chicago, great restaurants are a dime a dozen. New eateries open almost daily, and a hotel restaurant can easily be over looked. This is not the case however with Café des Architectes, located at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel. The eatery offers internationally-inspired cuisine with local farm-to-table produce, all done with a classic French technique by Chef Greg Biggers.
The hotel is situated in a building designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, and the soaring prism-of-glass structure rises 32 stories high and offers views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Located on the main lobby level is the café, boasting elegant and contemporary design elements along with dramatic splashes of color. Café des Architectes' wine list is Euro/French-centric, with a few good New World wines. It includes carefully chosen selections by the glass and focuses on boutique options such as a Canard Duchene Leonie Brut Champagne from Reims.
For dinner, the restaurant offers a Seven Course “Degustation” Tasting Menu as well as specialty menus. Currently, guests can enjoy an autumn menu offering a Chestnut Provisions Tasting. Among the dishes is a selection of cured meats and cheeses crafted by the chefs and aged in their own cheese and charcuterie cave.
Café des Architectes is the perfect restaurant to spend a few hours at unwinding after a day exploring Chicago. Before you go though, be sure to request Romie as your server; since he may just indulge you with a French song during dinner using his baritone vocals.
