PRIVATE PARTIES AT LE COLONIAL

Chicago, IL (June 2005)- Le Colonial, Chicago’s noted up-scale French Vietnamese Restaurant, prides itself on offering the very best in cuisine, style, service and ambiance to all hosts seeking distinct ‘affairs to remember.’ Whether you’re planning intimate dinner parties, celebratory cocktail hours or all-out ‘close down the house and dance all night long’ soirees, let the professionals at Le Colonial help, or take over, so you, too can be a guest at your own party.

Transporting guests to another time and place, Le Colonial vividly recaptures the beauty, romance and spirit of French colonial Southeast Asia from the 1920s. Developed by successful restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Jean Goutal, Le Colonial is situated in the heart of Chicago’s esteemed Gold Coast in a charming two-story vintage rowhouse at 937 N. Rush Street.

Among the many areas available at Le Colonial for private parties, which can be used individually or collectively, are:

The Lounge

Rattan sofas, Oriental rugs, vintage photos and palm plants set the tranquil ambiance in the Lounge. Set up as a semi-private or full area, the Lounge is the ideal location for everything anything from bridal showers to birthday galas, offering accommodations for up to 52 guests for a seated meal, or 65 guests for a buffet-style or cocktail party. Available for lunch or dinner, this space provides class and comfort at once.

The Terrace

The 2nd floor Terrace is the perfect setting for private “al fresco” dining for small groups in the summer months. Glass-enclosed with beautiful French Doors in the cooler months,
the Terrace offers seating for up to 22 guests for a seated meal, or 30 guests for a cocktail party. This intimate setting allows guests to observe the bustle of Rush Street below, while enjoying their meal atop one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants.

Main Dining Room

Lush and comfortable, the main dining room of Le Colonial features rattan chairs that surround amply spaced tables allowing as many as 95 guests to dine. Delicate fans gently cool the room, which is filled with verdant potted palms and banana trees. An oasis in the heart of the Gold Coast, Le Colonial’s dining room will whisk you away from the busy pace of Chicago.

Entire Restaurant

A tribute to the French colonial era of Southeast Asia, Le Colonial exudes an aura of warmth and elegance. From the mahogany bar upstairs to the palm-lined outdoor patio, this Chicago gem has been serving patrons for over eight years. As a staple of Rush Street, Le Colonial is an idyllic setting for any event, large or small.

Menus

Vietnamese cuisine is traditionally served family style to allow sharing. Le Colonial continues that tradition for Group Dining with its series of menus designed especially for private events.

A sample menu for a private dinner begins with passed canapés such as Dau Nhoi Cua, fresh steamed peapods stuffed with crabmeat, shallots and carrots; and Bo Bia, soft rice paper salad rolls with julienne vegetables, herbs and a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The first course is served family-style to allow sharing and can feature dishes such as Cha Gio, Vietnemese spring rolls with shrimp, pork and mushrooms; and Goi Bun So, grilled sea scallops, garlic noodle salad, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs and chili lime dressing; For your main course, also served family-style Ca Hap, steamed filet of sea bass with cellophane noodles, mushrooms, scallions and ginger; and Ga Nuong Xa, oven-roasted chicken with lemongrass served with lime dipping sauce. Assorted sorbets will complete the meal with fresh, delicate flavors to end the evening.

Le Colonial is open seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight; and Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Lounge is open daily, from 4:45 p.m. until the close of the restaurant. Valet parking is available nightly.

For reservations, please call 312.255.0088.