DINING Boystown's French twist

“I love this area. It’s so alive,” Paris in Chicago owner Jean-Claude Baldassari told Windy City Times about the Chicago Boystown neighborhood, where his café is located. The eatery, as you might expect, is loaded with items that remind one of France—down to the French books and coins that line it; however, Baldassari has also included U.S. items in the mix, such as photos of Chicago that accompany images of Paris.

Baldassari—who opened the restaurant Jan. 7—brings Paris to Lake View with sandwiches such as proscuitto di Parma (proscuitto, butter, cornichon) and Le Thon (tuna, tomato, mayo) ; salads that range from auvergnate (proscuitto, emmenthal, tomato) and salade au Roquefort (French Blue cheese with walnuts) ; and quiches. Having tasted the goat-cheese quiche, I do plan on returning to this spot very soon.

Paris in Chicago also may have added treats in the way of organizing events that blend “French and American familiarity,” Baldassari said. Those events may include paintings or musical interludes; his goal is to have a place that’s fun, simple and relaxing.

By the way, guys who might have their hearts set on the dashing Baldassari will probably be disappointed. The Frenchman is married (to a Chicago woman), although he described himself as a “straight man with a gay mind.”

Paris in Chicago is located at 3310 N. Halsted, and is open Mondays-Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m.-midnight; and Saturdays 10 a.m.-midnight; and Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 773-883-7288 or see the restaurant’s Facebook page.

—Andrew Davis