Le Lan
Le Lan-Le' meaning 'the' in French and 'Lan' meaning 'orchid' in Vietnamese'serves a delicate array of French-Vietnamese fare in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The chefs use classical preparations and techniques along with Asian accents and elements to highlight the dishes and create new flavor combinations that you never would've imagined. Tea-smoked duck breast is served alongside a savory bread pudding, and creative pairings include the zucchini-wrapped tilapia with flageolet beans.
This is more than just 'fancy Vietnamese food.' The chefs have put a lot of effort into creating the menu and bringing just the right flavors together. After all, 'unique' doesn't always mean 'good.' The spring rolls are like none other, featuring pork belly, pink shrimp, coriander, and pomegranate, and the Colorado lamb loin is excellent with red wine orzo pasta and wild leek puree. Dessert delicacies include a must-try peach shortcake with mascarpone whipped cream and a coffee-cake-and-five-spice-cake duo served with chocolate mousse.
The restaurant itself is modern and lovely, full of rich brown hues and jade green tiles. Tables are set with candles, orchids, and bamboo-patterned flatware, all while a large dragon mural overlooks the dining room. Busboys, waiters, and managers make their way through the area easily, attentive to every customer's questions and needs. Like its namesake, Le Lan offers a notable one-of-a-kind beauty and elegance.
Photo credit: ulterior epicure
Le Lan ($$$$): 749 N Clark St; 312-280-9100
Lunch
Mon ' Fri: 11:30 a.m. ' 2:00 p.m.
Dinner
Mon ' Weds: 5:30 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Thurs ' Sat: 5:30 p.m. ' 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 22, 36, 66, 156 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://lelanrestaurant.com/
3.0 |
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POSTED IN: Restaurants
4 opinions for Le Lan
Jon - The DC Traveler (Check me out!)
Nov 27, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Great looking plating. Look like artwork on a plate.
The Chicago Traveler
Dec 26, 2007 at 7:21 pm
[…] ' Le Lan: Fuel up before the long night ahead of you. Executive Chef Bill Kim will be gracing his patrons with venison loin, marinated Kona Kampachi, and pineapple-almond brown butter cake. The restaurant will be holding two seatings; the first offers six courses, the second has nine courses along with a glass of Dom Perignon. (5:30 p.m. ' 6:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. ' 10 p.m., $90-$130) (map) (link) […]
Valentine’s Day 2008, II
Feb 7, 2008 at 7:02 am
[…] Check out the elegant French-Vietnamese fare at Le Lan, where the executive chef is offering a prix fixe five-course menu, starting with a […]
"Top Chef: Chicago" Walks Down the Aisle
May 12, 2008 at 6:12 pm
[…] Le Lan […]
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