The Little Gem, located at 189 N. Marion Street, is a world-class addition to the Oak Park – and the Chicagoland area – food scene. It’s an inviting and intimate bistro serving both innovative and classic European fare for Lunch, Brunch and Dinner.
The Little Gem caters to a sophisticated, food-loving clientele. Its warm and romantic interior sets a relaxed tone for its exquisite but competitively priced food and drink offerings. Melding both gastro-pub and classic bistro-style fare. The Little Gem’s distinctly European atmosphere and inviting Downtown Oak Park location make it a hot spot for locals who’d prefer not to travel into the city for drinks and a memorable meal.
The chef-driven menu brings elegant but affordable Chicago-style dining to Downtown Oak Park with creations by Chef Marcel Ivan, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute here in Chicago.
Owner Judith Lalor brings her enthusiastic brand of hospitality to Oak Park “I love working in the restaurant business. Hospitality is the way I most love serving others,” she says.
In naming her new spot The Little Gem, she wasn’t referring to the interior of the intimate place, although the warm brick walls, chandeliers and ambiance give the space the feel of a jewel box.
“I really see each customer as a gem who deserves a dining experience that will thrill their palates with exquisite flavors they’ve rarely, if ever, encountered. And that’s exactly the feedback we are getting from our customers. It’s also why they come back so often to see what Chef can tempt them with now.”
Chef Marcel creates every menu item as a work of art, every dish has a distinct flavor profile, balancing color, texture and ingredients. The dishes represent a variety of European cuisines. And every item on the menu—from the pastas and desserts, which are made in house, to the appetizers and entrees—are made to order. A la minute.
The Little Gem offers a full bar, with craft beers and cocktails, complemented by a carefully selected wine list.
On November 6, 2015, as part of their one-year anniversary in Oak Park, Judith and Chef Marcel invite visitors to come explore their new fall menu:
Ribeye Duo
6oz Center Cut and Rib Eye Roulade Stuffed with Mushroom Duxelles Cherry Wood Smoked Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roasted Cauliflower Mushroom Demi, Parmesan Truffle Crisp
Duck 2 Ways
Seared Duck Breast, Homemade Duck Sausage Orange Segments, Baby Root Vegetables, Idaho Pancake
Hungarian Chicken Lollipops
Sweet Paprika Cream Sauce, Sage Spaetzle
10oz Berkshire Pork Chop
Au Gratin Potato, Cherry Cranberry Demi Glace Roasted Petty Squash
Bone in Lamb Shank
Burgundy Brasaige, Haricot Vert, Potato Croquettes
Seared Salmon Filet
Garlic Parsley Puree, Zucchini Pancake, Shaved Asparagus Basil Oil, Creme Fresh
Tuscan Kale Salad
Honey Dijon Dressing, House Lardons, Red Grapes, Quinoa, Smoked Apple Wood Goat Cheese
Rosemary Oil Poached Yellow Tail Tuna
Warm Cannellini Salad, Pickled Spanish Onions Honey Chipotle Cream, Long Beans
Duck Confit Ragù
Truffle French Fries, Roasted Onion Demi, Garlic Aioli Mozzarella and Provolone Melt
Torched Poached Leeks
Tarragon Lemon Cream Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes
Homemade Desserts
189 North Marion St. in Oak Park. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday. Reservations: 708.613.5491. Custom party packages available for birthdays, anniversaries and showers with a full bar and seating for fifty guests.
