A rather messy construction project along Route 12 in Lake Zurich has put the hurt on old favorite D&J Bistro. Unless the incessant blinking of yellow construction horse lights just messes with your aesthetic ideal too much, I'd encourage anyone who's been on the fence about going to do so. Lunch business in particular has suffered due to snarls in the area. I can assure you that slow-downs do not last long, and still pale in comparison to moving up Halsted toward Division at rush hour.
This place is a thoroughly unpretentious bistro of which Anthony Bourdain would be proud. Boisterous bar area...cheerful and relaxed dining room. They do an especially nice job with the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. This, from their website:
"Thursday November 17th…. 'Beaujolais Nouveau'…a must for anyone who claims to be a 'bon vivant'. Enjoy the first wine of the year’s harvest in a celebratory atmosphere, games, prizes, and a very special prix-fixe dinner, featuring our famous 'Cassoulet de Carcassone'."
We've circled this one on the calendar for years. It's a great way to get primed for the holiday season, but please don't wait until then. Visitez tôt et souvent!
D&J Bistro
466 S. Rand Road (between Ela and Rt. 22)
Lake Zurich
847-438-8001
(closed Mondays)