By Sophie Bross
Our friends at Ballyhoo Hospitality have done it again and elevated the “neighborhood” restaurant to a new level. They had already taken the neighborhood restaurant from good to great with American-inspired cuisine at Lincoln Park’s Gemini (my local Cheers) and with modern Greek cuisine at Andros Taverna in Logan Square. Now Chicagoans can enjoy their newest restaurant, Pomeroy, a French bistro in the heart of Winnetka. Chef Jason Paskewitz, a Jean Bachet award winner and a James Beard Foundation award nominee, is bringing classic French fare to the north shore. Pomeroy has only been open a month and it is the hottest reservation on the north shore!
The space resembles a classic Parisian brasserie with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor café, a private courtyard, a u-shaped marble bar that seats 22, and a private dining room that accommodates 16 guests. The restaurant features red leather booths, antique brass, varnished mirrors, and oak floors. The indoor dining room seats over 150 and the private courtyard in the back can accommodate an additional 100. Ballyhoo Hospitality co-founder Ryan O’ Donnell designed the space himself and hopes it will be both a neighborhood place and a special event venue.
The menu has classic French dishes prepared in the classic way like onion soup gratinee, escargot, frisee salad, trout almondine, and an entire section dedicated to “…Avec Frites” with mussels, poulet, steak and of course a burger and all served with frites. The “Les Foie Gras” section has three different and delightful preparations on foie. There is also a daily Plat du Jour with Wednesdays having crispy duck, sea scallops on Thursdays, and bouillabaisse on Fridays!
Desserts cover all of the best French sweets including profiteroles, Chocolate Pot de Crème, a seasonal tart with gelato, and of course macaroons. The pear tart was divine!
There is an extensive selection of French red and white wines, champagne, and craft cocktails with a twist on traditional favorites as the Old Fashioned, French 75, Spruce St. Manhattan, and my personal favorite the Margarita Verte.
Everything was delicious and prepared in the classical way which I truly loved. No modern interpretations of French cuisine or French fusion. Just good old French food perfectly prepared in the traditional way. A place that you can dine again and again without tiring of the menu. Julia Child would be proud. The service was excellent especially since the restaurant has only been open for about a month. It can get very loud in the restaurant when it is packed full so if the noise level is an issue for you I suggest you dine early. Pomeroy is open seven days a week for dinner. There are rumors of Pomeroy opening for brunch and lunch on weekends. Truly a wonderful addition to north shore dining.
Pomeroy, 844 Spruce Street, Winnetka. Reservations via Resy or by calling 847-999-3090. www.pomeroywinnetka.com
