If you want to enjoy the some of the best French food, flair and atmosphere in Chicago, then look no further than Marche. This brasserie-style French restaurant brings a whole new meaning to the words eclectic and entertaining. As one reviewer put it, "vibrant paintings and ultra modern furnishings give the restaurant a funky chic style."  Umbrellas hang from the rafters and colorful designs surround every light bulb.

Specialty: French cuisine

Attire: Business casual

Location: West Loop

Reservations: Highly recommended

Hours:
Sunday - Wednesday: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday - 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, Saturday - 5:30 pm to 12:00 am

Credit Cards: All major credit cards accepted except Discover

Parking: Valet for $9.00

ADA: Wheelchair accessible

Public Transportation: Call the CTA at 312.836.3501 or visit www.chicagotransitauthority.com/

The food? Talk about original. Be daring and try the escargot for $9.00 as an appetizer. They prepare the snails with garlic butter, parsley and pernod. Or try gratin provencal for $8.00, made with an oven dried tomato, fennel, zucchini, olives and goat cheese. For dinner, priced at $26.00, is an unforgettable pan roasted striped sea bass made with an artichoke, haricots verts, black olives and tomato. A braised lamb shank is priced at $25.00, made with French green lentils, baby carrots, haricot verts and knob onions.

And remember to have a glass of wine. Their blanc list, by the glass, includes Viognier, Domain Tiennes, Vin de Pays Du Var 2001 at $9.00, while a great rouge choice is their 2000 Cabernet Château Les Vergnes Bordeaux at $10.00 a glass.

The Perfect Place For: Creative atmosphere and cuisine in the grand French style