An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Visit Chez Jacques for authentic taste of France Key RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH A GALA celebration is planned at Chez Jacques Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, to mark ten years of serving up authentic French cuisine to Milwaukee visitors and natives alike. “I learned how to cook from my mother,” says owner Jacques Chaumet who grew up in Montpellier in the south of France. Chaumet came to the U.S. in 1993 and began offering his country French specialties at Jacques French Café on S. 2nd St. in the summer of 2001. In 2007, he moved into expanded quarters at 1022 S. 1st St. and renamed the restaurant Chez Jacques. Chaumet calls his popular entrees “simple, country recipes,” a description that is confirmed by a loyal clientele – including one Milwaukee attorney who owns a vacation property in France. Chaumet also believes authentic French cuisine should be reason- ably priced. Stroll through the doors and you’ll be greeted with the ambiance of a French country inn. Many hours went into giving this restaurant’s interior an Old World patina. Enhancing the experience here when the weather permits is a pleasant outdoor wine garden. This outdoor space was created with as much thought as Chaumet puts into his French country dishes. A mural on the restaurant’s back wall by local artist Amanda Aquino blends a French country scene with U.S. landmarks. A large chestnut tree shelters diners. Add a glass of wine and a crepe and relax, European-style . Like both rural and urban restaurants in France, Jacques offers cuisine that uses the freshest ingredi- ents, prepared with a distinctive flair. We can’t think of a better way to start the day than with breakfast items such as fresh baked croissants, a Parisian breakfast (croissant, orange juice and coffee), French (what else) toast and quiche (either Lorraine or veg- etable) with fruit. Special omelettes come with pota- toes and toast. Luncheon specials range from a variety of crepes – chicken curry, smoked salmon, caramelized apples and banana Nutella – to distinctively French salads, sandwiches and gourmet plates. Appetizers on the dinner menu include escargot, and entrees range from veal medallions to sea scal- lops. Roasted duck and vegetarian pasta add to the 74 A wine tasting in the wine garden. variety. Gourmet plates also are great choices when paired with a glass of wine. Jacques handpicks his wines, again assuring customers of a true French experience. Reminiscent of many Paris restaurants (and a great value) is the Prix-Fixe menu, offering three courses any evening for $24.95 The staff may suggest an aperitif such as a Kir Royal or Dubonnet. Of course, your favorite espresso drink is available here. And any drink is made even better when paired with one of the chef’s delectable desserts. Crème Brulee or Mousse au Chocolat are just two of the choices. Private parties are welcome. Catering is available, as are take-outs, if you call 414-672-1040 in advance. Chez Jacques is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Info on special programs is available at www.chezjacques.com. In a city that takes pride in ethnic restaurants that look and feel like counterparts in the old countries, Chez Jacques is the real thing – Milwaukee’s only French restaurant owned and operated by a Frenchman.