About a year ago, the New York restaurant group ‘The Group’ (yes, that’s actually their name, and no, it does not make Googling them easy) brought a double dose of culinary delight to River North, Chicago, with the openings of Olio e Piu and La Grande Boucherie. Today, however, we are laser-focused on a very simple dish at La Grande Boucherie that has, quite frankly, taken up real estate in my food-obsessed brain.

First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer wow factor of this restaurant. Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, this Art Nouveau-inspired space is a love letter to the city’s history, but with a distinct Parisian brasserie twist. Imagine a glamorous steakhouse colliding with the elegance of a French café, and you’ve got the essence of La Grande Boucherie. 

Now, let’s get to the dish that changed my Sunday lunch plans forever.

I stopped by for an impromptu meal (which is always dangerous, because my impromptu meals somehow turn into full three-course experiences). I’ve dabbled in their lunch menu before—from the always-fresh Tuna Nicoise (great for when you want to convince yourself you’re making good choices) to the Croque Madame, which is so decadently cheesy it probably should come with a warning label. But today, it was all about the Chicken Paillard—grilled free-range chicken breast, petite mesclun salad, and a tarragon-mustard beurre blanc that deserves its own fan club.

Here’s the thing about this dish: it’s simple, yet utterly irresistible. The chicken had that perfectly charred, almost-outdoor-grill flavor that makes you wonder why all chicken can’t taste like this. The salad? Light, crisp, and tossed in a dressing that somehow felt both fresh and indulgent. But the real star? That sauce. The tarragon-mustard beurre blanc was so good, I initially ordered it on the side, thinking I’d “dip sparingly.” Instead, I found myself eating it like a soup—no shame, no regrets. The entire dish struck the perfect balance of healthy with just enough naughty.

Now, a quick PSA for my fellow food lovers: La Grande Boucherie is making it dangerously easy to keep coming back.

1. Restaurant Week? Still going until the end of March. Because who doesn’t love an extended excuse to eat ridiculously good food at a fraction of the cost?
2. 50% off wines. Yes, you read that correctly. That glass (or bottle, let’s be honest) of French wine just became an even better idea.
3. Happy Hour every day from 2-7 pm. EVERY. DAY. I don’t know what’s more impressive—this deal or my ability to resist going there daily.

So, in summary: fancy vibes, phenomenal food, discounted wine, and a happy hour that refuses to quit. How exactly are we supposed to say no to this place? (Spoiler: we’re not.)

More dishes from La Grande…