The Food Guy Visits Petite Vie in Western Springs

A French Brasserie in the Suburbs

For nearly 20 years, Vie established itself as one of the best suburban restaurants in sleepy Western Springs. After a lease dispute closed it, the owners bought a space around the corner, deciding instead to open a French brasserie, which has been a rare commodity out West.

A Space with a Familiar Feel

Most businesses in the bedroom community are within spitting distance of the train station. That’s the case with Petite Vie, several months old now, the brainchild of Paul Virant, who built Vie here 20 years ago and decided to stick around.

A French Food Renaissance

“A lot of my formal training is French food, and there’s not French food around the area,” said Paul Virant, the chef/owner of Petite Vie. “We’ve seen a big resurgence of French food in Chicago over the past couple of years.”

Classic French Cuisine

Virant embraces the classics.

“Wild burgundy snails that we braise, and then your classic snail butter – lots of garlic, parsley, lemon – Pernod, the anise liqueur,” he said.

More French Favorites

A Lyonnaise salad has the curly frisee and soft-boiled egg, as well as tiny fried pork lardons and croutons. Country pâté? Check.

“There’s also mustard, pickles and an excellent spreadable chicken rillette intended to use with that grilled Publican Quality toast. Trout almondine is another throwback, mounded beneath vibrant green haricots verts,” said Virant.

Winter Comfort Food

In winter, it’s Beef Bourgogne to the rescue.

“Slowly braised with aromatics. We do mushrooms, lardons, big carrots, and it’s served over a puree of celery root,” said Virant.

A Unique Egg Dish

Don’t skip the Ouefs Mimosa, an egg dish inspired by the French Creoles in New Orleans.

“So there’s a restaurant down there called Galatoire’s, and they do Ouefs Mimosa, which is like a nice fresh crab salad…” he said.

Cocktails and Desserts

Handcrafted cocktails with an emphasis on vermouths and spritzes; familiar desserts like profiteroles and an old-school chocolate soufflé only emphasize how deep Virant wants to go to bring this sort of dining back into fashion.

“For me it was a lot of fun to go back to my roots, and really lean into French brasserie food,” he said.

Get There

Petite Vie Brasserie
909 Burlington Ave., Western Springs
708-260-7017

Conclusion

Petite Vie is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of classic French cuisine in the suburbs. With its rich history, cozy atmosphere, and delicious dishes, it’s a true gem in Western Springs.

FAQs

Q: What kind of food does Petite Vie serve?
A: Petite Vie serves classic French brasserie cuisine, including dishes like snails, pâté, and beef bourgogne.

Q: Is Petite Vie a new restaurant?
A: Yes, Petite Vie is a new restaurant, opened several months ago in Western Springs.

Q: Is the chef/owner familiar with French cuisine?
A: Yes, Paul Virant, the chef/owner of Petite Vie, has formal training in French food and has been influenced by French cuisine throughout his career.