Continuing on our French cuisine (er, champagne) kick, the Delve crew headed to Maude’s last night as a follow up to Sunday’s Paris Club soiree. As we headed to the upstairs dining room, we quickly realized that we were in the company of the Paris Club’s edgy cousin. The room was dark (illuminated by amazing oversized candles) and intimate with dark wood from corner to corner and tarnished mirrors covering the walls. Note that if you choose to dine at Maude’s Delve recommends requesting an upstairs table. Downstairs décor was like that of an old café – tiled walls and antique chandeliers, upstairs was dimmer and gave us an edgier feel. Depending on the occasion, you really can’t go wrong.
Delve Eats
Bouchot Mussels – once again (as with Paris Club) we weren’t dying over the mussels. Don’t misinterpret, they were good, but not the best. We’re still not completely on board with the overly lime taste that both French powerhouses doused their mussels in.
Pomme Frites – Can’t speak highly enough of these. I know, I know – they would be hard to mess up. But the pomme frites at Maude’s were unlike any other. And pairing them with garlic aioli only heightened our obsession.
Tenderloin Steak Tartare – This seemed to be the overall favorite of the table. With an egg yolk center and flavored with capers, parsley and espalette, the tartare literally melts in your mouth. Definite must-have.
Sausage of the day with lentils – Spicy. Sharable. Sold.
Beef Shortrib Bourguignon – Another favorite – especially with the men at the table.
Blackened brussel sprouts with lemon and parmesan – If I’m not mistaken, I think we had four orders of the brussel sprouts. J ‘adore.

Delve Drinks
According to our fab waiter, the imbibing road at Maude’s should go in one of two directions: whiskey or rosѐ. I went with the whiskey, but the other girls are still talking about how fabulous the rosѐ was. Either way, tap your waiter’s knowledge for the best of the best when it comes to cocktail options and pairings.
Maude’s vs. Paris Club
This is tough. Luckily (we think) for the two reigning champs of Chicago French food, Maude’s and Paris Club could not be more different. Food at both leaves very little room for criticism. Paris Club has a bit more of an extensive menu, but Maude's has mastered their own take. Cocktail’ing is superb at both. So – we’ll try to sum this up based on overall experience. Looking for a hot spot and more of a see-and-be-seen environment? Hit up Paris Club. Looking for a dark, intimate, getaway of sorts? Maude’s is your place.
Photos via Maude's fabulous photo blog.