“Derived from the French wine Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system’s classification of Champagne Houses; Récoltants Manipulants (RM), signifies an artisanal farmer who bottles his own wine. RM, simply put, is Grower Champagne.”
Hidden in the progressive West Loop/Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago, the elegant, yet rustic RM Champagne Salon provides a home to wine and Champagne enthusiasts and even offers a retreat to those who aren’t typically a “bubbly conossaur.” Although the French culinary experience is still continuing to evolve in Chicago, replica audemars piguet watches RM attempts to embody a true French salon, creating a Parisian themed beverage program and offering French “tapas” sized dishes. Delivering bubbly beverages, a bud-to-bottled wine selection, and even a full-fledged selection of cocktails, RM’s beverage program focuses on a collaboration of traditional and modern regional French flavors. With all of the hustle and bustle of Randolph Street during my sunny Summer evening, RM was a perfect oasis to escape off to.
Ambiance & Décor
Located directly across from Green Street Meat’s and hidden down the candlelight cobblestone alley, the first glimpse of RM seen is its lavished outdoor patio. The 1,500 square-foot RM is a petite posh salon that embodies a pseudo Parisian café. Lit by hanging outdoor chandeliers and furnished with mismatched Bleu de France and copper-colored furniture, the outdoor patio portrays a peaceful Parisian getaway. Inside the indoor salon was lit by the darkened chandeliers that hung from the exposed dark ceiling beams while tiny candles were spread across tables, countertops, even inside of the petite fireplace. While circling the salon and gazing at the antique and traditional artwork framed on the open bricked walls, my attention was brought full circle to the grand salon bar, replica vacheron constantin watches which was also colorful, yet subtle. The décor of both the inside and outside was filled with soft shades of blue and yellow and stained wooden rustic tables. Whether choosing to sit inside the salon or outside on the patio, the ambiance of both locations exemplified a Parisian culture, sophisticated, yet comfortable.
Beverages & Pairings
Covering an entire page of the menu was a classical and charming beverage list. Paying homage to its French roots, RM’s beverage menu ranged from a selection of French wines and champagne, to imported beers, and of course, handcrafted cocktails. As recommended by our waitress, the cocktail that exemplified the attitude and concept of RM was the “RM 75.” Made with aviation gin, grapefruit shrub, and sparkling rose, the “RM 75” was an elegant light and refreshing cocktail to begin the evening with. Since this beverage was in essence, a sparkling spritzer, this paired very well with raw seafood or a light tartare. Because the warm weather had begun to sweep into the Chicago air, we had chosen to pair this beverage with the refreshing and light “Cobia Crudo,” which was garnished with grapes, pink espelette pepper, a touch of lime, and sliced radish. The sparkling Rosé within the cocktail contrasted the earthy crudo perfectly, leaving your palate with a remaining taste of tart grapefruit.
After sipping our first beverage, we had moved onto the main attraction, the”bubbles” and wine portion of the menu. Leaving the selections up to our waitress, we were brought out both the Duval Leroy, brut and the Piper Heidsitck-Cuvee 1785, brut champagnes along with the Domain Jean Paul Dubost red wine. All three beverages were paired with three appropriate dishes: the Classic Alsatian flatbread containing onion, bacon, and fromage blanc, a quail egg ravioli topped with playful chanterelle mushrooms, fake franck-muller watches brown butter, and grated parmesan, and finally, the roasted vegetable and quinoa salad, filled with patty pan squash, mushrooms, pickled asparagus, and evalon.
A glass of the Duval Leroy provided a perfect balance between finesse and robustness by drawing out flavours of cinnamon and roasted yellow figs. Because of its subtle acidity and warm background of roasted fruit and spices, the Duval Leroy paired well with the Classic Alsatian Flatbread as well as the Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad to cut the heaviness of the starches. Not being a lover of a high level of bubbly or acidic champagne in general, this specific selection was my personal favorite beverage of the evening. I felt that I could still taste the flavours of the champagne on my palate without being overwhelmed with the fruity crescendo of bubbles.
The luscious pool of brown butter that the Quail Egg Ravioli swam in provided an abundant rich element that screamed to be counter balanced. Because of its high acidic level, heightening its dryness, the Piper Heidsitck-Cuvee 1785, I felt was amicable pair to the ravioli. With the Piper being a structured and full-bodied champagne, it also recognized a juicy, fleshy pear, and golden grape flavour. However, I found that the finish narrow citrus flavor was too much to sip on its own. My recommendation would be to accompany this specific champagne with a more dense entrée, such as RM’s Roasted Chicken, Steak Frites, or Macaroni Gratin, otherwise, the dryness of this bubbly might discourage your taste buds.
Next on our beverage journey of the evening had led us to the red wine. Being biased towards any wine other than Italian, I was anxious and excited to taste RM’s French wine selection. However, upon sipping the Domain Jean Paul Dubost, it immediately reminded me of an Italian Chianti, a very light and black-cherry flavored wine. The Domain Jean Paul Dubost is a dark-skinned grape, known for being a lighter red wine, focusing on fresh red fruit and candied aromas, just as the Chianti. Containing low tannins and a low acidic level, I felt this subtle spiced red wine would couple nicely with a slightly heavier protein entrée on the menu, such as the traditional Croque Madame or the RM burger.
Le Grande Finale
After digesting the many dishes and beverages, we were presented with a selection of traditional vs. modern Parisian desserts, with my favorite being the blueberry and caramel corn macaroons. Although just a meringue-based biscuit sandwich, filled with jam, ganache, or buttercream, the ora of a macaroon showcases refinement. A macaroon illustrates decadence and sophistication, two things that RM Champagne Salon truly symbolizes. Not only can you have a quiet and lighthearted meal and gathering for drinks, but what I found to be the most important quality of all was RM’s overall experience. From the hospitable service to the charming ambiance of the salon, I was transported back into a country where elegance reigns supreme.For those who desire an escape from the everyday life of Chicago, but cannot return to Paris anytime soon, RM is a perfect getaway.
For more information, visit RM Champagne Salon’s website: http://www.rmchampagnesalon.com/
Copyright © 2014 Aimee Gasior
