Beginning Friday, April 7th, Chef Michael Lachowicz will unveil his spring tasting menu at George Trois, but with a twist. He will pay homage to the recently shuttered establishment, Café La Cave. As a sous chef at the establishment in the early days of his career, the legacy of Café La Cave and the influence it had on his career was enough to inspire the George Trois menu that Lachowicz has created in timing with Café La Cave’s closing after nearly five decades in Des Plaines.
Lachowicz explains that, “This menu is comprised of George Trois interpretations of my favorite and most memorable dishes that were a part of the history and lore of Cafe La Cave over the years. All of the dishes I’ve taken inspiration from were prepared and presented at Café La Cave from its inception and were crafted by the likes of legendary Chefs including my personal mentor, Jean Banchet. The story goes that he was recruited by and ushered to Chicago by Playboy, along with other iconic and notable French Chefs of that day, to helm the kitchen at the upcoming Playboy Club. Many of these chefs arrived months before the club was ready to open and they all landed at Cafe La Cave, temporarily. The rest is culinary history – All of these incredible French culinary minds are the basis of the Café La Cave identity and legacy, and it’s what has allowed this special place to endure through nearly half a century. For instance, The Café La Cave Caesar Salad dressing was a direct creation of Banchet, as was the Steak Diane served to this day. The far-reaching influence of Café La Cave is seldom spoken of but is a big part of my early career and left a truly significant mark on the industry. I'm honored to present this menu, and even more honored to have been a small part of such a Chicago area icon."
George Trois’ Tribute to Café La Cave will begin on Friday, April 7th, and will run through the spring until the end of June. The seven-course tasting menu is priced at $195 per person and includes Lachowicz’s interpretations of Café La Cave dishes like Escargot, Steak Diane, Caesar Salad, and Bananas Foster. Lachowicz has listened to his diners over this past year, so he has opted for a seven-course experience, as opposed to some of the 12 or 15 course menus he’s done in the past – fewer courses, but more sizable portions of every course to give people more of each dish. Wine pairings from George Trois Group’s Wine Director Brian Duncan are available for an additional cost that varies depending on the diner’s preference. Reservations are available on Tock.
A TRIBUTE TO CAFE LA CAVE AT GEORGE TROIS
SPRING 2023
SOUPE A L'OIGNION GOUGERES FARCI
~
ESCARGOT IN GARLIC-PARSLEY MOUSSE, ROQUEFORT CREME
~
"THE CAESAR"
PARMESAN CHIP, SHREDDED GEM LETTUCE, BUTTERD TOASTED BRIOCHE, FRESH GRILLED ANCHOVIE, CAFE LA CAVE CAESAR DRESSING, SUNNY SIDE QUAIL EGG & GOLDEN KALUGA CAVIAR PERCHED IN OIL-CURED WHITE ANCHOVY FILETS
Beginning Friday, April 7th, Chef Michael Lachowicz will unveil his spring tasting menu at George Trois, but with a twist. He will pay homage to the recently shuttered establishment, Café La Cave. As a sous chef at the establishment in the early days of his career, the legacy of Café La Cave and the influence it had on his career was enough to inspire the George Trois menu that Lachowicz has created in timing with Café La Cave’s closing after nearly five decades in Des Plaines.
Lachowicz explains that, “This menu is comprised of George Trois interpretations of my favorite and most memorable dishes that were a part of the history and lore of Cafe La Cave over the years. All of the dishes I’ve taken inspiration from were prepared and presented at Café La Cave from its inception and were crafted by the likes of legendary Chefs including my personal mentor, Jean Banchet. The story goes that he was recruited by and ushered to Chicago by Playboy, along with other iconic and notable French Chefs of that day, to helm the kitchen at the upcoming Playboy Club. Many of these chefs arrived months before the club was ready to open and they all landed at Cafe La Cave, temporarily. The rest is culinary history – All of these incredible French culinary minds are the basis of the Café La Cave identity and legacy, and it’s what has allowed this special place to endure through nearly half a century. For instance, The Café La Cave Caesar Salad dressing was a direct creation of Banchet, as was the Steak Diane served to this day. The far-reaching influence of Café La Cave is seldom spoken of but is a big part of my early career and left a truly significant mark on the industry. I'm honored to present this menu, and even more honored to have been a small part of such a Chicago area icon."
George Trois’ Tribute to Café La Cave will begin on Friday, April 7th, and will run through the spring until the end of June. The seven-course tasting menu is priced at $195 per person and includes Lachowicz’s interpretations of Café La Cave dishes like Escargot, Steak Diane, Caesar Salad, and Bananas Foster. Lachowicz has listened to his diners over this past year, so he has opted for a seven-course experience, as opposed to some of the 12 or 15 course menus he’s done in the past – fewer courses, but more sizable portions of every course to give people more of each dish. Wine pairings from George Trois Group’s Wine Director Brian Duncan are available for an additional cost that varies depending on the diner’s preference. Reservations are available on Tock.
A TRIBUTE TO CAFE LA CAVE AT GEORGE TROIS
SPRING 2023
SOUPE A L'OIGNION GOUGERES FARCI
~
ESCARGOT IN GARLIC-PARSLEY MOUSSE, ROQUEFORT CREME
~
"THE CAESAR"
PARMESAN CHIP, SHREDDED GEM LETTUCE, BUTTERD TOASTED BRIOCHE, FRESH GRILLED ANCHOVIE, CAFE LA CAVE CAESAR DRESSING, SUNNY SIDE QUAIL EGG & GOLDEN KALUGA CAVIAR PERCHED IN OIL-CURED WHITE ANCHOVY FILETS
~
"STEAK DIANE"
STRIP LOIN OF A-5 WAGYU BEEF, ASPARAGUS WRAPPED WILD RICE-FOIE GRAS TIMBALE,
DIANE SAUCE. ROASTED PEARL ONION & FRESH MORELS IN BROWN BUTTER
~
INTERMEZZO
~
BANANAS FOSTER MOSAIC
~
LEMON MADELINE'S & CHOCOLATES
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