Chicago may not be the Paris of the Midwest — that’s Detroit apparently — but there are plenty of ways locals can get a taste of France at home as the Olympics begin in the City of Light this week.
Root For Hometown Heroes
Everyone and their mom is tuning in for Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, but don’t forget to watch athletes with Chicagoland ties, too, like:
- Rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas’ second Olympics after competing in the COVID-affected games in Tokyo.
- In soccer, Red Stars Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson will represent Team USA, and Julia Grosso will represent Team Canada.
- Shamier Little, a Lindblom alum, is a force to be reckoned with in the 400-meter hurdles.
Watch the Games Together
The opening ceremony starts Friday at 12:30 p.m. CDT, and you can watch the games around town at the Gage Park library, a French cultural institute on the Near North Side, or at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville.
Then, head to a toga party in Wicker Park that night. Then, catch the games at these bars through Aug. 11.
La Grande Boucherie in River North has a $58 dinner prix-fixe menu through Aug. 29 in honor of the Olympics. (Rachel Bires)
Get a Taste of France
City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea finally dined at Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square and says the French onion soup and the absinthe cocktails are out of this world.
City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran went to Coquette in Fulton Market before his big trip to Paris earlier this year.
As for me, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Sidney Madden, I miss the crepes from the now-closed Toni Patisserie & Café downtown. At least there’s a Hinsdale location.
And City Cast Chicago producer Michelle Navarro is on the lookout for her first French bites in the city! Should she try an Olympics–inspired menu in River North? Vietnamese–French fusion in Gold Coast? Or visit the Chicago French Market? The world is her oyster 🦪
Our podcast host visited the Louvre, Tribunal de commerce, statue at Grand Palais, and Arc de Triomphe in Paris earlier this year. (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago)
Other Ways to Celebrate
You can take beginner French lessons in Mount Greenwood and play lawn games from around the world in Lincoln Park over the next few weeks.
Plus, if you’re planning to visit Paris in the next few months, one cheap flights guru told Hey Chicago the best time to book an international flight is two to eight months in advance. Au revoir!
