The Grocery Bistro

I’m so sad that The Grocery Bistro closed… since I’ve moved to the West Loop, one of the best things was the number of tasty restaurants within walking distance. This was one of the gems, and I’m glad that I was able to eat here before it was gone. I never got to try the brunch here, unfortunately: o[.
The food was delicious, and the place is BYOB. The host asked us if we wanted to go across the street to pick up a bottle of wine, and seated us while we sent a person out to bring back some vino. The dinner menu was really inventive, and I enjoyed all of the choices of the evening. We got started with an entire clove of roasted garlic to enjoy with the bread, and the bf (an avid garlic-​lover) made good use of it.
I’d definitely come back if they re-​open with the same chef. Liked the atmosphere as well…

Skinny dip into the Chicago River in the dead of winter, make out with Jon Gosselin, write a thirty page term paper with endnotes, swordfight a malicious unicorn. .. I’d do them all gladly to dine here again. In other words, it’s gift to any diner, almost surreal in it’s awesomeness; wherein you are thankful for the experience.
Everything on the menu is a flavor-​gasm! I tried practically it all and like the scallops (huge, tender, and fresh), fois gras, rabbit, lamb and desserts best. I’m told the burger is world class and can’t wait to devour one.
The ambiance, décor, and service are phenomenal. It’s BYOB and there is a great wine store right next door.
Trust me on this one, kind reader. I’m picky as heck and a Notary so I can’t technically lie and everything about the Grocery Bistro is perfect. If you try it and disagree, I promise to dive into the Chicago River nude, do your homework, or joust your angry unicorn!

The van is gone.
Drama, zilch.
Hysteria, squelched.
New chef Daniel Marquis (formerly of Bin36) is back there in that kitchen whippin’ up some fine contemporary American dishes. New menu… new beginnings, Grocery Bistro looks the same, but it’s all reinvented. Let’s sample, shall we?
Pumpkin soup: Seasonal perfection, pureed.
Duo of Tartar– Beef Tartar: Lemon Zest, Fine Herbs, Quail egg, Yuzu-​soy Vinaigrette. QUAIL EGG?! holla.
Braised Pork Cheeks– Creamy Pumpkin Polenta, Swiss Chard, Roasted Granny Smith Apples, Pork Reduction (best dish)
Grilled Organic Hanger Steak– Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Garlic, Gorgonzola, Lemon Vinaigrette (standard)
Spiced Donuts– Pear Compote (homemade, great with coffee)
Still rockin’ the $ 27 prix fixe between 5pm-​7pm weekdays… which, paired with a bottle of wine from Perman next door makes a pretty exceptionally cheap date in the West Loop. Lookin’ to do a big BYOB dinner party? Reserve the big communal table that runs up the middle, tell each person to bring a bottle… and have at it.
Second chances rarely prove beneficial… but this one might just be worth it. Reinvention, indeed, BYOB-​style. Worth an extra star, most definitely.

New chef, new menu. I still like, but removing it from «my favorite» list.
At 8pm on a Thursday the restaurant was half full so we didn’t have to deal with any of the acoustic problems we faced last time. It&