Julia Child once said, “In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.” The chef, famous for her French cookbooks, spent the better half of her life committed to mastering the craft of French cooking, including a stint at Le Cordon Bleu. For those not able to make that kind of commitment, the solution is simple: Visit Froggy’s French Café.
Nestled in Highwood, Froggy’s has been delighting the North Shore for more than 30 years with its Francophone creations. “Freshness and the authenticity of what we do is the main focus. We try to be as close as possible to regional French cooking,” explains Chef Thierry Lefeuvre. From the moment you sit down and begin to study Froggy’s menu, it is apparent that Chef Lefeuvre has a deep understanding of and love for well-prepared food.
Originally from Brittany, France, Chef Lefeuvre has since made the North Shore his home. Having been with Froggy’s since its inception, Chef Lefeuvre helped craft a restaurant that appeals to his customer. He is known for constantly reinventing the menu, concocting dishes with seasonal produce while still keeping his roots firmly planted in the French cooking tradition. Everything, right down to Froggy’s terrines and pâtés, is made in house.
As much as French food is revered, it is also feared by those who feel the food is too fattening, too rich, and a complete sabotage to their diet. Froggy’s is on a mission to debunk this apprehension. “We are creating delicious dishes that are not so fattening. We have lightened all of our sauces,” explains Chef Lefeuvre, stressing that it does not take away from the flavor. That said, “It’s not every day that you eat French food, so don’t feel guilty when you’re eying the Mussels Marinière steamed in white wine and butter. “ Included in the lighter fare are Froggy’s salads complete with fresh produce purchased locally at Amidei Mercatino in Lake Forest. Each creation is more unique than the next; from the Landaise to the Provençale, as well as the Océane salad, topped with fresh salmon and shrimp.
French food, too often, is accompanied by a hefty price tag that makes you say, “Mon Dieu!” as soon you open the menu. Luckily, Froggy’s has the economical answer, a new gourmet menu offering a choice of cold or hot appetizer, sorbet, a main course, and a dessert, all at a fixed price. “All choices are from the menu so you get the meal that you want for a prix fixé that is reasonably priced. It’s basically a four-course dinner,” explains Chef Lefeuvre. Pair the meal with one of Froggy’s extensive French or American wines, available by bottle or glass, and you have a reasonably priced, superb meal that is a lot cheaper than a flight to Paris and well worth the trip.
Froggy’s French Café is located at 306 Green Bay Road in Highwood.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 847-433-7080. –Kendall McKinven
