I've been meaning to post back about our meal here after so many of you replied to my inquiry upthread. It was a few weeks ago. We were unable to get a seat on the coveted patio (one of the reasons why I chose this place), but we had a perfectly nice table inside. No downhill alerts here! My lasting impressions of the meal were the same as those after my last meal there a few years ago: a perfectly capable, solid bistro experience. Nothing mind-blowing. (FWIW, the only mind-blowing French Bistro-style meal I've had was at Keller's Bouchon in Vegas.) But mind-blowing is not really the aim of this type of food anyway.

I don't remember now exactly what we all had (except that I remember someone went for the burger, and really liked it). We were all satisfied with everything. The wine list was fine. My only quibble was with the Onion Strudel (Strudel A L'Oignon Carmelisee [sorry, don't know how to insert appropriate accent marks]). It was very good, but served in the middle of a bordelaise sauce, which, in addition to overpowering the dish, sogged up the bottom of the strudel. A handful of mixed greens, lightly dressed, would have been a more appropriate garnish, IMHO.

The service was well-paced between courses and didn't rush us at all at the end of the night. All in all, a very good experience.

I hadn't been many times over the last several years (living in D.C. made Bistro Campagne a rare treat). I recently moved back to Chicago and enjoyed a stellar meal at BC. Their pork chop is one of the best I've ever had. And, I find it wonderful to sit in their charming courtyard on a cool summer's night. The service is usually friendly and spot-on, too.

Hubby and I have decided that this is definitely our go-to bistro. We've also recently had Kiki's, Bouchon, and Margot. BC is in a different league, as far as I'm concerned.

Can't wait to return!

I feel very lucky to have Bistro Campagne in my neighborhood, so weekly Monday night jaunts to lazily sip a rose or a vouvray on the patio is always possible. They have a new item on the menu- a robust dish of fabulously tender beef cheeks braised in red wine, with a crunchy root vegetables ratatouille and toasted pine nuts. It's a lovely dish.

Had a meal at Bistro Campagne last night that was superb from start to finish. Started with a glass of a Belgian beer called La Chouffe, which was light and fantastic and had a picture of a troll or dwarf that looked a little like "Doc" on it--does chouffe mean troll in French? First course for me was the soupe du jour, which last night was a butternut squash soup that blew my mind with its butternut-squashiness. That's all I can say. The flavor exploded, like butternut squash dialed up to 19. Entree was the half roast chicken (with which I had a second bottle of La Chouffe), which (I wasn't expecting this, although it might have said so on the menu and I didn't catch it) was deboned and the meat flattened out. Is that a paillard? I have no idea, but I've seen that word before and sort of think it applies. The meat was full of chickeny goodness. There was a pile of fried onions on the side (which I had a bit of--unspectacular) and some sauteed sliced mushrooms underneath that were, this is the word that comes to mind, inspiring. Dessert was the peche tatin, an amazingly delicious compote (again, don't know if that's the right word, but I have a feeling it is) of baked peaches underneath a flaky buttery crust that was the Platonic ideal of flaky butteriness, topped with a small dollop of creme fraiche ice cream that quickly melted due to the warmth of the tarte tatin, and made the tarte tatin all the better for its melty creme fraichiness.

Don't forget that Bistro Campagne is open for Sunday brunch, too. I had brunch there a couple of weeks ago and it was very nice. Savory dishes from their brunch menu, along with their usual desserts - nice combination.

We had a nice dinner at Bistro Campagne last night. We started with the cream of roasted cauliflower soup. Excellent cauliflower flavor with just a touch of cream. Mr. X had the croque madame while I had the burger. I ended up with sandwich envy. The burger was perfectly prepared medium rare and was good, but not great. We decided it was rather one note. The croque madame was delicious with the chance of something different in every bite. I did very much enjoy the onion frites that came with the burger, and the regular frites with the croque madame were tasty as well. The highlight was dessert: fig and brown butter bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Marvelous!

I really like the ambience at Bistro Campagne and have generally enjoyed the food. I look forward to a dinner in their outdoor space when it's warmer.

The GP wrote:I really like the ambience at Bistro Campagne and have generally enjoyed the food. I look forward to a dinner in their outdoor space when it's warmer.

Bistro Campagne was one of the first places I tried after reading about it here on LTH. It has become a regular in our rotation and we dine there about once a month. More often in summer when the patio is open, preferably Sunday evenings when the live jazz is playing.

Their Poulet Roti Forestiere is my favorite chicken dish in the city. Always moist, always full of flavor and the onion frites and excellent. It travels well for take-out, too. They package the frites separately.

I don’t think I’ve ever dined there without thinking to myself: Thank you, LTH.

I can die now. I've had the cassoulet at Bistro Campagne.

Dear duck confit, you've invaded my thoughts and dreams. You're becoming dangerous. I love danger.

Dined at Bistro Campagne tonight, which has been in our rotation for years - although not in about 10 months. I can't help but feeling it's been going slowly downhill. The bread wasn't fresh. I had the crabcake appetizer which had a poor, chewy consistency with barely a hint of crab. THe steak frites were flavorful, but undercooked (very rare when I ordered medium rare,) and the frites were not hot. I will say that the pot de creme for dessert is still to die for. I used to really love this place, but it's just not the same.

jpo wrote:Dined at Bistro Campagne tonight, which has been in our rotation for years - although not in about 10 months. I can't help but feeling it's been going slowly downhill. The bread wasn't fresh. I had the crabcake appetizer which had a poor, chewy consistency with barely a hint of crab. THe steak frites were flavorful, but undercooked (very rare when I ordered medium rare,) and the frites were not hot. I will say that the pot de creme for dessert is still to die for. I used to really love this place, but it's just not the same.

Do you think your "downhill" experience happened because it was Monday night; the traditional chef's night off? I'd suggest giving the place another try on a different night before writing it off.

jpo wrote:I can't help but feeling it's been going slowly downhill. The bread wasn't fresh. I had the crabcake appetizer which had a poor, chewy consistency with barely a hint of crab. THe steak frites were flavorful, but undercooked (very rare when I ordered medium rare,) and the frites were not hot. I will say that the pot de creme for dessert is still to die for. I used to really love this place, but it's just not the same.

stevez wrote:Do you think your "downhill" experience happened because it was Monday night; the traditional chef's night off? I'd suggest giving the place another try on a different night before writing it off.

We used to be big fans of Bistro Campagne. We live very close and it was our 'go to' place for a nice night out; I had a dinner there for a big group when family was visiting from out of town, we introduced many friends to the place and went to some of their wine dinners, etc. Prior to about 8 months (something like that, maybe longer) ago, we always found the food was made with great care and never had a bad meal there. Apparently, around that time, the chef de cuisine left and was replaced by several "rotating chefs de cuisine" per our server. After that, we noticed some menu changes (e.g. the hanger steak used for the steak and frites was replaced by other cuts--sirloin, tenderloin, etc) and the food was not as good. We have been three times since this change (hoping that the prior meals were just an off night) and the food was really average on each visit. On one visit, we had a piece of lamb that was nearly rare at one end and past well-done at the other (not sure how they did that). So we have given up on the place. I suppose it's entirely possible we hit off-nights x 3, but some family members we turned on to the place have noticed the same slide. So, I don't think it was just a Monday night phenomenon. Mado had gradually transitioned to be our 'night out' spot (I guess now we'll keep looking--any suggestions?)

jpo wrote: had the crabcake appetizer which had a poor, chewy consistency with barely a hint of crab

I used to be a once-a-week kind of regular at Bistro Campagne, but I haven't been there at all recently, so I can't commnent on the potential downhill alerts. I will say that as much as I always liked the place, that crabcake appetizer was never good. It was basically an egg white omelet with miniscule quantity of crab. Sounds like that's still the case.

Just found this scouting around on the internet. Daniel Jacobs (the former chef de cuisine at BC is now at Uncommon Ground. I plan to head there in the next week or so and check it out (I saw Justjoan's recent comments but o/w not much new on the board about UG).

My last "downhill experience" was the last time I ate there, maybe 10 months ago, which was on a weekend, so I don't think it's just a Monday night thing (which shouldn't be acceptable in any case. If they're open on Monday, the food should be good on Monday.)

I went last Wednesday with my family for the first time ever and I thought it was one of the better french meals I've had in this city. Much better then Le Bouchon, no question about it.

I split the salad with goat cheese and a french onion soup as my appetizer. Both were lovely, especially the dressing they used on the salad, it was a champagne vinaigrette but had a small undertone of creaminess to it which I really enjoyed. The soup was really good, it was just really hot as well so it took a while to enjoy. For dinner my mom and I split the rack of lamb which was cooked perfectly medium rare and for dessert we split the chocolate/cherry bread pudding and creme fresh ice cream.

I cannot stop telling people about this restaurant as I thought it was so good. I went to L20 last week as well and much more enjoyed my experience at Bistro Champagne believe it or not and I think we are going for Christmas eve. I highly recommend this place, food was excellent, decor was nice and relaxing inside. Not too packed, just perfect, warm, french food.

Anyone have any recent experience at Bistro Campagne? Trying to decide between there and Uncommon Ground for my husband's upcoming birthday dinner. Any comments on which place makes a better cocktail and has a better wine list?

thaiobsessed wrote:We used to be big fans of Bistro Campagne... Prior to about 8 months (something like that, maybe longer) ago, we always found the food was made with great care and never had a bad meal there. Apparently, around that time, the chef de cuisine left and was replaced by several "rotating chefs de cuisine" per our server. After that, we noticed some menu changes (e.g. the hanger steak used for the steak and frites was replaced by other cuts--sirloin, tenderloin, etc) and the food was not as good. We have been three times since this change (hoping that the prior meals were just an off night) and the food was really average on each visit. On one visit, we had a piece of lamb that was nearly rare at one end and past well-done at the other (not sure how they did that). So we have given up on the place. I suppose it's entirely possible we hit off-nights x 3, but some family members we turned on to the place have noticed the same slide. So, I don't think it was just a Monday night phenomenon. Mado had gradually transitioned to be our 'night out' spot (I guess now we'll keep looking--any suggestions?)

Unfortunately our experience with Bistro Campagne pretty much mirrors the one above - it used to be our regular French spot and we thought it was exceptionally good. Then, shortly after Daniel Jacobs left, there was a painfully noticeable decline. Every time we went there, the food was so oversalted that it was barely edible. One of these dinners was on New Year's Eve, and we were very irked that we were eating so poorly while the current (no idea what his name was at the time) chef de cuisine drank champagne at the table next to ours instead of overseeing the kitchen, which was clearly floundering in his absence.

Our French place of choice these days in Bistrot Zinc - their pates, roasted chicken, and chocolate cake are all wonderful standbys. They rotate the menu every season or so, and the venison and choucroute they offer on the winter menu from time to time are unbeatable. The steak frites and steak au poive are both delicious as well. And no matter how long it is between visits, we are always remembered and treated with care.

Anyone have any recent experience at Bistro Campagne? Trying to decide between there and Uncommon Ground for my husband's upcoming birthday dinner. Any comments on which place makes a better cocktail and has a better wine list?

I went on Christmas Eve, again, and had a wonderful meal. I would totally recommend it. Maybe the people who do not enjoy it need to go back or maybe I've lucked out the two times I've been, but I love this place.

I stopped by Bistro Campagne last night for dinner and had a great time. I had Poulet Roti Foristerre, which was essentially roasted chicken with delicious fried onion tangles and mushrooms. It was really really good. It was craveable good. My fiancee had trout with olives that she liked, but wasn't feeling well so couldn't completely appreciate it.

We ordered two glasses of Cotes de Beune which is one of my favorite AOCs, but really didn't enjoy the wine. It seemed extremely sour, so we asked if the bottle had been opened for a long time, etc, and our server brought over the bottle and repoured it after tasting themselves. They then gave us a new pour of a Syrah blend with Gamay that we liked better and comped us our glass of wine. I thought this was unneccisarily good customer service. Since the new pour of the original Cotes de Beune wasn't to my liking, I just made a bad wine decision, and wasn't their fault, however I was very happy how it worked out .

I then finished dinner with a snifter of Green Chartreuse VEP which was my first time with this amazingly delicious spirit.

All in all, I was very happy with the service and food and will return.

My family just had an excellent meal at Bistro Campagne. I'm embarrassed that it took me this long to get there. We ordered nearly everything off of the Restaurant Week menu: onion strudel, house salad, steak frites, roasted chicken, trout, pain perdu, profiteroles and lemon tart. From the regular menu, we also ordered (or I also ordered since no one else wanted these things), the snails and the foie de veau. I didn't try it all, but the chicken was beautiful and succulent under a mountain of fried onions. The trout was also perfectly cooked with crisp skin and dressed with just the right amount of acid. As noted above, the snails are excellent. I could have drank an additional demitasse of that garlic-Pernod butter. For calf's liver, I usually prefer it whole because I worry that it's overcooked when served in pieces--not at all the case at Bistro Campagne. Just lovely. It did feel like a little too much caramelization on the plate with the onions and balsamic reduction, but that's a trivial point given the overall quality of the dish.

I overheard someone behind the bar saying that their business triples during Restaurant Week. The house was clearly full, but service was wonderfully attentive while also being friendly and relaxed. The front-of-house staff were pros, which I'm just now realizing, is not an impression I often get in restaurants. Also, Mama happy_stomach was very happy to be in a French restaurant with francophone service, also harder and harder to find, it seems. I hope I can make Bistro Campagne a regular stop.

I'm a big fan of Bistro Campagne. (I believe there is another thread, which I've posted on, but I cannot seem to find it). The only thing I didn't really enjoy was that onion strudel. I found it too heavy. Did you try it?

Darren72 wrote:The only thing I didn't really enjoy was that onion strudel. I found it too heavy. Did you try it?

I didn't try it, unfortunately, though my brother-in-law seemed to like it. He ate all of it after just having described to us in detail the gluttonous feast he had eaten at Cochon in NOLA the night before and saying he wasn't the least bit hungry. Then he ate all of his steak frites.

We had dinner at Bistro Campagne last night. This used to be our very favorite neighborhood spot, but as noted above, our meals over the last nine months or so haven't been nearly as good as they used to be. Still, we live close and they have one of the best outdoor garden settings and great service so we headed over for dinner last night.
What could be better than a class of champagne outdoors on a nice summer evening?



For appetizers, we split the 'corn and crab' special which our server described as "almost like a corn soup". It was a cold corn soup with crab in the center--neither of us enjoyed it. We each took a spoon or two and left the rest. I'm not sure if we would have enjoyed it more warm but texturally and taste-wise, it did nothing for me.



We split two long time menu standbys--the poulet forestiere (chicken in a cream sauce with sauteed mushrooms covered with onion frites) and steak frites (they brought back hanger steak as one of the choices a couple months ago). Both were solid, but not what they used to be. These dishes used to blow my mind but now I'd call them very good. Maybe I would enjoy them more if I wasn't aware of their full potential.





We split a fig bread pudding for dessert which was excellent. However, we were surprised to see no seasonal dessert selections (i.e. no berries, peaches, plums, etc)

Overall, we had a very nice meal with excellent service and a lovely setting. We still feel like the food here isn't quite what it used to be, but we'll probably still go from time to time (particularly during the outdoor dining season) since it's close.

We split a fig bread pudding for dessert which was excellent. However, we were surprised to see no seasonal dessert selections (i.e. no berries, peaches, plums, etc)

. . .particularly considering that Bistro Campagne is within walking distance of the Lincoln Square farmers markets (customary F-mkt hours Tuesday, and late afternoon/early evening Thursday). The Tuesday vendors include both Seedlings and Mick Klug, growers/sellers of wonderful stone fruit and summer berries. Inexcusable, IMO.

Chef Michael Altenberg passed away over the weekend. He was 48.

http://m.chicago.eater.com/archives/201 ... ctedly.php

Phil Vettel has a nice write-up in the Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ ... 0893.story

This is really sad. I've been a fan of Bistro Campagne for a long time.

A special occasion place that my husband and I enjoyed tremendously more than once--onion tarte, steak frites, pommes frites, dessert, etc...delish!