Nestled within the Hyatt Centric in the Loop, Cochon Volant is Chicago’s newest restaurant by James Bear Award Winner, Roland Liccioni and Schwa Alum, Matt Ayala. Those are some BIG accolades.
…and simply put, you need to go there ASAP.
This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to brunch there and I literally fell in love (p.s. no judgement. It’s totally normal to fall in love with a restaurant). Besides the incredible food (we will get there in a minute), their décor makes me feel like I stepped off the streets of Chicago and into a quaint little Brasserie off the streets of Paris.
Here are five things you must try for brunch:
Corned Beef Hash: Now if you’re like me, an excessive amounts of potatoes are a necessity during breakfast. Presented in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet, you can’t go wrong ordering this hash for a side or your meal with some eggs on top. Perfect proportions of both diced potatoes and succulent, house-made corned beef, this dish will leave you wanting more and potentially sneaking some into your purse on the way out (guilty).
Le Burger Royale: One word – WHY? Why did I not know about this burger sooner? Why did it have to end? Why didn’t we each get our own? Let me just lay this out for you: perfectly fluffy brioche bun, two… YES TWO prime dry aged beef patties EACH having their own slice of fresh American cheese, thick cut crisp bacon, dijonnaise (yes that’s Dijon mustard mixed with mayonnaise), confit onions, and house soaked pickles. I’m not kidding when I tell you I went H.A.M. all over this burger. You need to grab a friend to share this life changing experience with. Oh…and if you’re an Au Cheval fan….this one is every bit as good. I’m not kidding.
Super Green Benedict: This Benny isn’t by the book, but let me tell you – I’m loving it. It starts with a house made English muffin and it’s topped with avocado, spinach and crispy artichoke. All things green will leave you feeling powered up for the morning while not having to sacrifice on flavor. What made this Benedict extra special was the sauce; it wasn’t super creamy which kept this dish light and tasty. You guys may laugh at me, but I’ve never gotten more joy out of a food item than when watching the yolk explode out from under this hollandaise sauce (check out my Instagram to see the video).
Avocado Toast N’ Eggs: This popular breakfast item is popping up on menus all over Chicago. Don’t let that discourage your from ordering it at Cochon Volant. Their avocado toast is anything but ordinary. Their homemade sourdough is the perfect canvas to lay the creamy smashed avocados. With maldon salt perfectly seasoning every inch of each bite, I’ve now made this fancy course pink salt a ‘must have’ in my spice rack. Generously portioned with a side of crispy potatoes, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. I suggest ordering with a sunny side up egg to get that yolk running, creating an impromptu dipping sauce.
Monsieur Foster: As if being made from scratch didn’t make this waffle special enough, they had to add a whole heap of toppings to take an innovative spin on Bananas Foster. Although this house made waffle is lusciously decadent, it doesn’t overpower your palette keeping you coming back for every last bite. I think the candied walnut is what sends this dish over the edge, providing the perfect crunch to an already flawless dish. My one piece of advice…. DON’T SHARE.
One thing is for sure, if the dinner experience at Cochon Volant resembles their brunch, I’ll need to make another reservation stat. Who’s coming with me this time? Hurry on over to 100 W Monroe St before the line is out the door!
Love always,
Erica
