The casual and cosy French country décor sets the stage for a warm welcome to Barrington Country Bistro in the North West suburbs. The menu includes comforting French classics and edgy innovations that are interpreted with flair.

Munch on a garlicky Caesar salad garnished with a Parmesan tuile as you order lunchtime cobb salad of poached chicken, blue cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, pepper and tomato. There are sandwiches of smoked Organic turkey breast and roasted pork loin with caramelised onions and melted provolone, and main courses of homemade ravioli; crab cakes with warm corn; and a lovely French farmhouse lunch of pâté and premium cheeses garnished with fruit and walnuts. Dinner specials could embrace steamed paupiette of white cod, coq au vin, or roast duck, preceded by seared sea scallops or escargots with butter and herbs.

A grand mariner soufflé or warm carrot cake served with huckleberry compote appear on the dessert menu. The wines are carefully chosen to match the food.

The bistro hosts seminars and corporate as well as private parties.