Obélix

French bistros are hardly known for restraint, but this River North arrival takes lavishness to another level entirely. On a quiet corner, duck and foie gras run up and down a menu that draws on hearty French classics spanning from pâté en croûte to steak frites to squab pithiviers. Far from rote, everything is made in-house and executed with refreshing clarity. The boisterous, sun-soaked dining room is a sign of equally happy guests, all of whom happily rise to the occasion as seafood platters and bottles of wine grace tables with unusual regularity. If stopping by for brunch, do not expect light fare: foie gras Monte Cristo, anyone? And if possible, save room for dessert. House-made ice creams and excellent, warm pastries await at the finish line.