Thirty miles west of Chicago, in Bloomingdale's old town area, Old World charm takes a turn towards the suburbs at Bistro Maisonette. Maisonette, which means "little house" in French, is aptly named, housed in a two-story Victorian-style building with about half of its 100 seats occupying a homey wraparound balcony upstairs. Walk through Bistro Maisonette's door and you find yourself in a quaint foyer. A few tables occupy the lower level, but most of the seating is on the second floor, at the top of the steep staircase.

The food is French, with occasional Italian dishes offered in the daily specials mix. Entrees are priced between $15 and $20, but a $27 prix-fixe option buys you an appetizer and dessert in addition to your main course Monday-Thursday. Appetizers like escargot dripping in garlic butter and desserts like orange creme broulee and profiteroles make the prix-fixe menu an ideal choice for Francophiles intent on enjoying a complete dining experience.

Although Bistro Maisonette has received some high-profile reviews since opening in 2004, it hasn't seen a huge influx of suburban crowds. The limited number of tables, especially when the balcony is closed, means that reservations are recommended (they're not required, and certainly not hard to get). Fridays and Saturdays are, of course, the most popular nights, but come here on a weeknight and you'll find a quiet scene. Order a glass of wine (or a bottle) from the ample wine list and enjoy your authentic French cuisine with some good old country charm.

Centerstage Reviewer: Aimee Hall