CheekyChicago

Le Colonial is more than just a destination. It is a transportation. Step off the buzzing streets of the Gold Coast/Viagra Triangle and into a cozy, sexy, exotic, intimate and somewhat VIP-esque ambience unlike any other in the city. Some say it’s the upscale Vietnamese cuisine that has helped keep Le Colonial one of Chicago’s most successful restaurants for over 16 years. But I say it’s the feeling of traveling to a far off place (without leaving town) that makes it so unbelievably enticing.

But let’s eat first. The best way to truly experience an extensive menu such as this one is to go for a handful of appetizers. So, after ordering a few glasses of the Gruner Veltliner (a Cheeky recommendation- try it next time) and the fruity and complex ‘Y’ Shiraz, we got down to business. The Goi Cuon, soft spring rolls of shrimp, rice vermicelli and bean sprouts with peanut-plum dipping sauce was the most delicate, flavorful spring roll I’ve ever tried. The Tom Cuon Ram, crisp beignets stuffed with shrimp, chicken and vegetables with an orange-ginger dipping sauce were fried to perfect crispiness without a touch of grease. And while the Ca Song, or the tuna tartare, with ginger soy dressing and wonton crisps was delectable, my only complaint was that there wasn’t much of it to go around. But with all that flowing wine, it didn’t really matter. We were tantalized by the samplings and wanted more.

Le Colonial’s entrée menu makes one a little confused and this, my Cheekies, is a very good thing. There are so many intriguing options, it actually becomes a bit of a task to decide on just one. Our excellent (and extremely patient) server had to come by on four separate occasions to take our dinner order because we couldn’t stop deliberating. I eventually settled on the Mi Xao Do Bien: stir-fried shrimp, scallops, calamari with mixed vegetables over pan-fried egg noodles in a light oyster sauce. It was just what I was looking for – the seafood was fresh and generous, the vegetables were steamed to perfection and the sauce was all at once light and decadent. My lovely dinner companions ordered the Ca Hap, the Chilean sea bass with cellophane noodles and ginger, and the Sup Do Bien, or the Bouillabaise, with coconut saffron broth, lobster and mussels, respectively. Along with seafood dishes, there is a multitude of steak, poultry, pork and vegetarian selections. Just take your time deciding and be very cheeky to your server.

There are two things you cannot skip if you come to Le Colonial. For one, it’s the banana wontons. Fried bananas, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream – need I say more? And two, is the upstairs bar. I am not even referring to Le Colonial’s amazing cocktail menu or beautiful wine list. I am referring to the epitome of ambience and sex appeal. You really must see to believe. Happy escapism…