Chic Cuisine in River North

We went to Paris Club once before, more than a year ago, before it was the small plates hot spot in River North. Now, about a year-and-a-half after the French-themed Lettuce Entertain You restaurant opened in the former Brasserie Jo space, this post isn't telling you anything you don't already know: If you can get past the tables full of 20s and 30s-somethings dressed to the nines for girls-night out and guys-night out, the food is really good. It may even be worth putting up with a club-like atmosphere while you eat your meal.

On our visit a few weeks ago, equipped with a generous gift certificate from a friend, we started at the bar while we waited for our table. Just a few minutes later we were brought to our table in the back of the restaurant.

The atmosphere is loud, just like you would find in a bumpin' club. Fortunately or unfortunately, we were near the servers' station, which offered a small reprieve from the noise, but a constant flow of traffic from servers entering orders.

We started out with the Chilled Seafood Platter and a Charcuterie Board, followed quickly by two escargot bourguignonnes, a cauliflower and arugula salad, braised brussels sprouts and green beans with hazelnuts.

Everything on the seafood platter was delicious, but the lobster was particularly divine. Z and I agreed that it was better lobster tail than the lobster tail we'd had at a VIP wedding at The Breakers in June. The escargot bourguigonne also surprised me. I would have ordered another if it hadn't been for my stuffed stomach.

The biggest disappointment came on the Charcuterie Board in the form of a sausage. It wasn't bad, probably good at many restaurants, but it was keeping elite company and came up short.

You can make a reservation at Paris Club on OpenTable.