Think of cassoulet as the chili equivalent of southern France–white navy beans slow-cooked with a mix of meats, often lamb, duck confit or sausage.
There’s nothing better on a cold winter night. Here are just three restaurants that serve this French classic.
THE PLACE: Kiki’s Bistro, 900 N. Franklin St., 312-335-5454
THE STATS: Cassoulet Toulousain, $14.50 (lunch portion)
THE COMMENTS: What you get: Gleaming white beans battle for real estate in this meat-heavy rendition, with the cubes of tender braised lamb, garlic pork sausage and duck leg confit creating a hearty union.
The bonus: Garlic breadcrumbs top this tomato-rich stew.
BEST BET
THE PLACE: Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800
THE STATS: Cassoulet Toulousain, $19.95 (Thursdays only)
THE COMMENTS: What you get: Served in heavy cast-iron ware, this rustic and filling cassoulet hits you with aromas of thyme. Beneath the crispy layer of breadcrumbs is a casserole of beans infused with flavors of lamb, and to a lesser degree, garlic pork sausage and duck confit.
The bonus: Like a Cracker Jack toy, finding the thick slab of double-smoked bacon is a lovely surprise.
THE PLACE: Cafe le Coq, 734 Lake St., Oak Park, 708-848-2233
THE STATS: Cassoulet, 19.95
THE COMMENTS: What you get: Plated at your table from a cast-iron pot, this deconstructed cassoulet retains an individuality of flavors. Some of the elements–lamb and a beef sausage called merguez, a peppery duck leg confit and herby rack of lamb–are cooked separately from the smoked hock and bacon-flavored beans.
The bonus: Satisfying and different.
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Kevin Pang, kpang@tribune.com
