YAY to Yelp Eats! for introducing me to a fantastic new restaurant.  If you haven’t been to Duchamp, put it on your list of places to try this summer.  Not only is the menu delicious, but the patio is the PERFECT place to spend a lovely summer evening.

Duchamp is in the old Meritage space.  While I do miss Meritage, Duchamp definitely makes up for it!  The patio has been re-done and has a much more modern look, but is no less charming.  I love the wooden communal tables.  The interior is a mix of old and new, also with wooden tables, but paired with modern clear acrylic chairs.   

The Yelp Eats! menu at Duchamp was quite generous – we were able to choose from the entire menu.  Duchamp also offers the same deal every Tuesday – a 3 course meal for $25, with your choice from the full menu, including any daily specials.  Nice!

Duchamp has a global wine list with some unique varietals.  It was a warm night, so we chose a great bottle of Cote du Rhone blanc that even a die-hard red drinker like Mr. Man could enjoy.

Each dish sounded more tempting than the next, but I think between the 4 of us, we got a nice range from the menu.

First Course – small plates

 This was my selection, and by far my favorite dish for the first courses.  I absolutely loved the Mediterranean flavors in this dish!  It made me want to take a vacation to Spain or Greece.  The meatballs were moist, the crispy feta not greasy at all.  The pesto sauce was perfectly complimented by the salty capers and  olives.  So flavorful.  Plus it was topped off with a sprinkling of pistachios, one of my favorite things! 

 

 This was Mr. Man’s choice.  I would have liked to taste it, but since the portion was TINY, I didn’t have the heart to steal a bite.  If the portion of steak tartare can be completely covered by a quail egg, then you KNOW it’s small!  Most of the plate was taken up by the crispy potatoes and garlic toast.  Honestly, are you supposed to use 2 large pieces of toast to eat 2 bites of tartare?  Mr. Man says that it was delicious, but had I ordered it, I would have felt cheated.  The blue cheese “fondue” wasn’t what I was expecting either, and looked more like just a drizzle of cheese on the plate.

 

 Mr. S’s choice.  I liked the flavors of this dish – was it a bit of fruit mixed in with the duck?  I love hazelnuts, and thought they provided a great textural contrast.  I found the duck itself to be a bit dry. 

 

 Miss K chose this refreshing soup of the day.  Actually a comparatively large portion.  Gazpacho is tricky – too smooth, and it’s like drinking tomato juice.  Too chunky, and it’s like eating salsa.  This one had a lovely bright tomato flavor, very fresh tasting, but I would have liked more chunks of cucumber and peppers. 

Second Course – large plates 

 I think Miss K won this round!  Not your typical fish & chips, with skate wing replacing white fish.  The pieces of skate were perfectly crispy, not greasy.  K pronounced it some of the best fish & chips she’s ever eaten, and she’s from Australia, where fish & chips is practically the national food!

 

 Another win for the Aussies.  This was a special that night.  Rich, earthy flavors, yet not heavy – the perfect summer pasta!  Loved the tender goat and the perfectly cooked pasta.  I’d order this if I ever see it on the menu again.

 

 Mr. Man’s dish.  Once again, Mr. Man was slighted on portion size.  When I think of bouillabaisse, I think of a deep and rich broth in a bowl overflowing with seafood.  This broth was super flavorful, and the piece of sea bass was one of the more perfect pieces of fish I have eaten in recent memory.  However, there was one modestly-sized piece of fish, about 3 mussels and a couple shrimp.  That’s it.  At $22.95, it’s one of the most expensive items on the menu.  Super tasty, but not worth the price. 

 

 Now, there are ALOT of good burgers in this town, and from what I’ve read, this is one of ‘em.  For the sake of comparison, I ordered it.  It’s a good burger, no doubt.  But one of the best in the city?  I don’t think so.  I liked the havarti cheese and the remoulade, even though that sauce made the burger a bit slippery and messy to eat (read: don’t order this on a date!).  The beef was juicy and well-seasoned.  A perfectly respectable burger, but it won’t pop into my mind the next time I’m craving a big, tasty burger. 

Third Course – dessert

Dessert consisted of 3 chef’s selections.  I have to say that dessert was the perfect size – 3 little bites of something sweet, which is all I really needed!  I loved the lemon tart and the mini chocolate cupcake was delish.  The chocolate chip ice cream sandwich was a cute idea but nothing special. 

I would love to come back to Duchamp to try more of their globally-influenced dishes.  The prix fixe can’t be beat!  While you run the risk of eating a 3 course dinner in about 10 bites like Mr. Man, Duchamp makes each bite count with amazing flavors and skillful preparation.  I definitely recommend their patio for an intimate gathering with friends or for a romantic date. 

2118 N Damen Ave
(between Charleston St & Dickens Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Bucktown

(773) 235-6434

www.duchamp-chicago.com