First Look: Maison, a Modern Brasserie in Lakeshore East

By Sarah Freeman

The weekend may be a tribute to all that is America - hot dogs, beer from cans and lighting things of fire. But in the up-and coming Lakeshore East neighborhood (the spit of land along the lake between Millennium Park and the Chicago River), it's all tufted crimson booths and duck confit with turnip gratin.

Maison, a modern brasserie, opens today with chef Perry Hendrix in the kitchen. He has a vast culinary history that starts with chef Gerard Craft at Brasserie by Niche in St. Louis and eventually finds him moving to Custom House Tavern two years ago.

The menu is heavy with Gallic faves such as mussels frites and croque madame, but also plays to nearby, tourist-trodden Michigan Avenue with casual options such as hamburgers, NY strip steak and handmade pasta (with braised rabbit - this is a classy joint after all). For a less upscale atmosphere, there's also a bar/cafe-style dining room offering the same menu.

Speaking of that bar, there is a selection of wines (mostly from France) available by the glass, bottle or on tap, as well as quartet of cocktails that combine champagne with Guinness, Aperol, absinthe or gin. Classic cocktails and craft beer are also available.

Maison is dinner-only for now but will begin brunch and lunch service mid-July. Check out a slideshow below.

333 E. Benton Place; 312-241-1540