Russian Vodkas & French Cuisine in the
Chicago Suburbs
When you’re serving a 10oz Prime Filet on a crazy hot Lava Rock that allows me to cook my steak to the perfect temperature at the table, you’re a pretty cool restaurant in my book. Welcome to the Chicago Suburbs Restaurant scene people!
Deka Restaurant in Wheeling, just off of the famed restaurant row, opened in November 2014 and already they are becoming a favorite among locals and city dwellers cool enough to take the trip to the Suburbs. One look at the menu and you’ll notice some French favorites like Cassoulet, alongside Eastern European dishes like Borsht. Deka is a French Brasserie, celebrating French food and technique, with a splash of Russian flair.
While there I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Vaysman, one of the owners of Deka. I asked what his vision for the restaurant was, he shared that his love and respect for French technique and French dishes were the basis for the concept, but he wanted to incorporate American approachability and Russian highlights. In order to bring his vision to light he brought in Executive Chef Michael Richie, who trained under the award-winning Jean Banchet, owner of the beloved Le Francais. Now, if you know anything about the history of Le Francais, then you’ll know that Chef Richie is a rockstar.
On our recent visit, I was in the mood for beef! I was super happy to see steak tartare on the menu, I pretty much always get steak tartare whenever it’s on a menu that serves USDA Prime beef or better. The steak tartare was incredible, I could’ve eaten that all day, the capers were briny and sharp, the red onion pungent, topped with yolky quail eggs that melded the dish together very well, by far the best steak tartare I’ve ever had! The hubs started with the crab cakes, which must’ve been pretty amazing, because when I moved my fork toward his plate he blocked me with the accuracy of Luke Skywalker filled with The Force. I was smart and retreated immediately.
Next up for me was the 10oz Prime Filet served on a Lava Rock with two house made sauces on the side. I did end up asking to add an additional topping, I’m addicted to mushrooms, so I asked for a mushroom ragout. I also wanted a couple of sides, so I ordered a tomato and mushroom risotto with haricots verts. The sides were delicious, especially the risotto, well-seasoned and velvety.
Following the theme ‘Beef. Its’s what’s for dinner™, my husband ordered the Beef Tournedos. Two prime tenderloins stacked with boursin cheese, fried green tomatoes and a garlic demi. His entrée looked flawless, I had to have a bite, so after a bit of negotiation I was able to get a taste. Let me just say this, that damned bite was amazeballs, the crispy tomato, the creamy boursin, the expertly seasoned steak, with just the tiniest bit of demi…OMG! I would have had plate envy if my filet hadn’t been so wonderful. For sides he ordered the garlic whipped potatoes and broccolini, both tasty.
When it comes to dessert I always take the suggestion of the waiter or waitress. In this case, I ordered the tiramisu because…well because its tiramisu, but our waiter suggested his favorite the crème brulee. Just so you guys know my husband isn’t much of a dessert person and I couldn’t have been happier about that after I tasted it, smooth, not ice cold, perfect temp, crispy top, great flavor…yep, always go with the waiters suggestion on dessert…then tip a little extra when they make a great suggestion. Hell it’s worth the few extra bucks when they suggest something that gives you a mouthgasm.
Deka is hip, vibrant and fun. They have an area with video slots and often have entertainers in to perform live music. I can’t wait to make it back in for a jazz night. Deka is a destination restaurant, good for date night, time with friends, or a night out with family. I know that there are lots of great restaurants in Wheeling and you may already have a favorite, but visit Deka and you might just have a new one.
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of Deka!
Deka Restaurant – A French Brasserie
Address: 401 W Dundee Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone:(847) 520-3352
*my meal was provided by the restaurant in order to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
