Chef Paul Virant Will Return to His French Roots With Petite Vie | Eater Chicago

"I’m watching the build-out of a new French cafe and brasserie at 909 Burlington Avenue in Western Springs that chef Paul Virant aims to open by late spring; construction is well underway and he’s purchased the building so landlord issues won’t be a problem. The space will be slightly smaller than his former Vie and will seat around 65. Trained in French cuisine, Virant frames this as a homecoming and has been inspired by a recent trip to France: expect a selection of quintessential hors d’oeuvres such as duck liver mousse and smoked salmon rillettes alongside pickles and crispy lentils, plus a tweaked oeufs mimosa (deviled eggs) prepared by soft‑boiling the eggs to create a jammy texture and topping them with a delicate crab salad or seasonal vegetables." - Naomi Waxman