Avec - Chicago, IL Review

My wife and I have been to Avec twice and I have to say, I think it is one of the best restaurants in Chicago.  Avec means "with" in French which goes well with the configuration and the food. The restaurant is configured as one long row of "communal" tables that run alongside the bar extending to the back of the restaurant.  It is not a table cloth type of place, but the extensive use of wood mixed with a bit of brushed metal creates a warm and contemporary setting.   Avec is clearly popular with a eclectic, hip, "in-the know" crowd of young and old, artists, business people and anyone who appreciates good food.  It would fit right in Paris or New York.

The wine and beer selection is unusual and extensive.  I don't remember exactly where all the wine and beer came from but I seem to recall it was mostly French.  

I ordered a prosciutto appetizer that I have to say might have been one of the best prosciutto dishes I have ever had in my life.  (and I consider myself a prosciutto connoisseur!)  The prosciutto itself was to die for, soft, supple, melt in your mouth to die for, and it had artichokes and some greens on top that really just make it absolutely perfect.  

We also ordered the whole fish wish was somehow prepared with a crusty/bready outside with herbs and butter and the fish itself was perfectly done and totally mouth watering.

All in all, a memorable and outstanding experience. Our meal $102 before tip.