Mon Ami Gabi

Bastille Day was the perfect reason to gather a group of girlfriends, sip Sparkling Rosé, and dine on French food. My darling friends at The Everygirl invited me to dinner at Mon Ami Gabi, and it was one of the most elegant and delicious meals I have had lately. Not only was the food incredible, but The Everygirl and Maison Jules added girly touches to the space including flower arrangements with peonies and mint, and maccarons at each place setting.

Mon Ami Gabi is Lettuce Entertain You's French restaurant just beside Lincoln Park. The space has a chic but inviting classic French bistro feel, with a bar in the center. Patio seating in front of the restaurant overlooks the lush green park. Our party was in a side room full of windows and natural light. (photo via Erin)

When the waiter asked me what I would like to drink, I requested my summertime drink of choice, Sparkling Rosé, and set off a trend. Everyone saw my drink and said, "I'll have what she is having." Suddenly 20 women were all sipping Sparkling Rosé, and the waiters were thrilled that they didn't have to get cocktails from the bar.

We started our meal with plenty of appetizers. We had Mussels Mariniére, Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato Sauce, and House Made Country Pate - it was almost enough to be a meal! I especially loved the baked goat cheese, which should not come as a surprise since my love of cheese is very well documented. (photo via Jocelyn)

We were given a choice of a soup or a salad, and I remembered trying the Onion Soup au Gratin over the winter when Charles ordered it, and I had to have it again. As it turns out, the soup wasn't very photogenic, so I will spare you a photo but I promise it was rich and cheesy.

I love a good steak, so I ordered the Filet Mignon as my entree. It came generously drizzled with a merlot butter and a red wine reduction, with a pile of pommel frites on the side. The steak as cooked to a perfect medium temperature, per my request, and it was juicy and tender and the red wine reduction was a great flavor pairing. The thin crispy frites were extra crispy.

I have a serious sweet tooth, and I am alway indecisive when it comes to dessert so I loved that Mon Ami Gabi served a trio of desserts so that I didn't need to pick just one. A single profiterole, chocolate mouse, and a mini serving of Créme Brûlée were served side by side. My favorite was the profiterole because ice cream, chocolate sauce, and pastry is a magical combination.

Thank you to Maison Jules and The Everygirl for such a lovely evening. In case I haven't said it enough, the bloggers in Chicago are so nice, and it is a joy spending time with them.

Mon Ami Gabi's address is 2300 North Lincoln Park West and they do accept reservations.