Business & Tech
Carmen's Jazz Bistro, a Taste of France: Bites Nearby
You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each Thursday, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.
CARMEN’S JAZZ BISTRO
Carmen’s Jazz Bistro is a family-owned restaurant and bar on West College Drive in Palos Heights, featuring live jazz on weekends and an electric, French-inspired dinner menu. Also available is a selection of exotic drinks and fine French wines. Visit Carmen's Jazz Bistro's Facebook page for information about dinner specials and upcoming performances. The restaurant is normally closed on Sunday and Monday but will remain open Feb. 13-14 for Valentine’s Day, with a special dinner for two.
Decor: A rich mahogany wood floor, white linen tablecloth and dark glass-tiled bar provide a comfortable and eloquent European atmosphere. Hand-painted copies of the work of French masters enhance the experience.
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Drinks: Standard beer and cocktail list, including specialty martinis. Notable French wines include Rue de France Blanc ($30 bottle, $8 glass), Rue de France Rouge ($35 bottle, $9 glass), Marrenon Rose de Syrah ($35 bottle, $9 glass), Cotes de Rhone ($40 bottle) and Chateauneuf du Pape ($60 bottle, $40 for second).
Appetizers: For starters, Carmen’s offers Gougere ($8), a French cheese puff stuffed with roasted chicken salad and grapes. The Blue Cheese and Balsamic Salad ($6) with spring mix includes sliced apples and walnuts. Conflicted carnivores should try the Spinach Salad ($6), topped with bacon, eggs and mushrooms lightly tossed with house-prepared bacon dressing. Few restaurants are complete without homemade chicken soup ($5).
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Entrees: The Cotes de Porc ($19) comes with fresh vegetables and potatoes puree, a French staple. Pan Roasted Chicken ($16) is served with mushroom sauce and potatoes puree. Sea lovers are encouraged to try to Tilapia Francaise ($19) which is served pilaf and fresh veggies or Shrimp Scallops ($19) served with pilaf and fresh vegetables. Other entrees include the tender Braised Beef Bourguignon ($18) and potatoes puree.
On Valentine’s Day and the Sunday before, special dinner for two includes Lobster Bisque and Filet Mignon served with strawberry cheesecake and sparkling wine (price to be determined).
Desserts: Bananas Foster ($6) starts by caramelizing bananas with rum and adding French vanilla bean ice cream. Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee ($7) comes with a caramelized sugar crust.
Service: No wait time for a table. French baguette and goat cheese are complimentary.
Signature Dish: Steak au poivre ($24)
Address: 7210 W College Dr., Palos Heights
Chef: Carmen Mitulescu, with a little help from her friend, Mariana
Phone: 708-289-4046
Cost: $$
