Petite Vie, the latest venture by acclaimed chef Paul Virant, has transformed Western Springs into a culinary hotspot. This brasserie, which opened last May, offers a straightforward yet innovative menu that beautifully combines French cuisine with Midwestern sensibilities. Known for its market-priced potatoes, the restaurant has made a name for itself with a simple goal: provide delicious food in a vibrant gathering space.
After closing his previous flagship restaurant, Vie, due to a landlord dispute, Virant launched Petite Vie just around the corner. Unlike its predecessor, which was a Michelin-starred establishment, Petite Vie is more relaxed and embraces classic French influences while maintaining an approachable atmosphere. "It’s a gathering place that’s got good energy, and food that’s well prepared,” Virant states about his new endeavor.
A highlight of Petite Vie’s menu is the steak frites, a popular dinner choice. The current plat du jour, boeuf bourguignon, features tender beef stewed in red wine along with carrots, served over a smooth celeriac purée, topped with a remoulade. The dish exemplifies Virant’s approach, melding traditional recipes with local ingredients and techniques.
Diners are drawn to the creative interpretations of classic dishes, such as the aligot, a cheesy potato mash, and the seasonal pithivier, a puff pastry filled with vibrant vegetables like butternut squash and crispy parsnips. The restaurant’s vegetable dishes change with the seasons, allowing for a continually evolving menu that encourages customers to return.
The brunch offerings, such as a hearty quiche de saison, are crowd-pleasers, making effective use of seasonal ingredients. Another menu standout is the pâté maison paired with house-made pickles, elevating the appetizer experience with flavors that speak to Virant’s background in preserving foods.
Drinks at Petite Vie, curated by bar manager Patrick Swanson, feature options like the Pomme de Vie spritz and the well-regarded Tigre en Papier, a non-alcoholic cocktail that showcases balance and flavor.
The ambiance of Petite Vie also deserves mention. With an open bar and a chef’s counter, the restaurant is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. Antique touches combined with contemporary décor foster a cozy dining experience.
Nestled near the village Metra station, Petite Vie operates seven days a week, something rare for suburban restaurants, and continues to attract a steady stream of locals eager for a taste of quality French cuisine without the pretense.
For those seeking a blend of rich culinary tradition and Midwestern flair, Petite Vie brasserie promises an experience that’s both delightful and memorable.
Petite Vie Brasserie
- Address: 909 Burlington Ave., Western Springs
- Phone: 708-260-7017
- Website: petite-vie.com
- Open: Daily, dinner from 4 p.m. and brunch on weekends.
- Prices: items range from $6 to $38.
- Tribune rating: Excellent, 3 of 4 stars.