Restaurant Review: West Town’s Provaré pushes boundaries with Creole-Italian Fare, Speakeasy

It’s hard to imagine a more interesting combination than Italian-Creole, but when the Michelin Guide lists you, it means you’re doing things right, doesn’t it?

Chef and owner Jourdan Higgs, from my hometown of Oak Park, Illinois, is the force behind West Town’s Provaré, which celebrates five years this month. Higgs is unique in many ways, including that he is, essentially  a self-taught chef. He didn’t attend culinary school, but learned how to cook from his parents. 

Forbes asked Higgs how he imagined the Creole-Italian concept. “I was a big fan of making pasta dishes growing up,” he told Forbes. “Additionally my parents would also make a number of different pastas. Then when I started traveling to New Orleans and getting introduced to different spices and seasonings I knew I wanted to blend the two together. Then to bring in the concept of making our own pasta fresh in-house and sauces to order.” 

He told Appetito,  “I started cooking for my friends and schoolmates while attending Northern Illinois University,” Higgs says. His Sicilian background, interest in Southern cooking, and hours spent learning techniques on YouTube shaped a style that now defines the restaurant. Chicago certainly embraces its uniqueness.”

Higgs is true to his concept. For example, WOULD YOU BELIEVE…Fried Calamari, with banana peppers, jalapeños, red onion, marinara, and sweet heat aioli? Or Crabby Fries which are waffle fries with pepper jack cheese, fresh crab meat, pico de gallo, and scallion aioli. 

Entrees include Lobster Bisque Pasta, colorful and packed with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy lobster bisque sauce, grilled lobster tails, lobster meat, and fettuccine noodles. 

One much-praised entrée is their Seafood Trio, with Higgs’ signature Cajun ‘trio spice’ alfredo, shrimp, lobster, and crab meat in rotini noodles. Shrimp Cognac Scampi is an incomparable mix of cognac cream sauce, Fresno chilis, shrimp, and mafaldine noodles. Provaré Royale Tower has lobster tails, king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, and fries covered in a seafood cream sauce. 

Lest you think that Provaré is seafood-only, they offer Steak Frites, a 12-ounce boneless ribeye served with garlic parmesan fries. Lamb Chops have four large chops, served with spicy house corn. Their Smash Burger combines beef patties, American cheese, lobster claws, pickles, and sweet heat aioli, served with garlic parmesan fries. 

It takes a great imagination to think of pairing lobster claws with beef patties, so kudos to Chef! 

There is only one dessert served at Provaré, but in this case, Butter Cake may be all you need, especially when it’s served warm with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and a strawberry. 

Provaré is located at 1523 W. Chicago Avenue. Reservations are available up to 21 days in advance, with each new date becoming available at 9am. They also welcome walk-ins at the bar, where they serve the full menu. Each reservation has a 15-minute grace period and a 90 minute table time. 

Note: You and your party must be 21+. And they have a dress code. No caps, athletic wear or revealing clothing allowed. They also reserve the right to decline service.

For reservations, click here. 

Privé Speakeasy 

After dinner, entertainment is just steps away, down a flight of stairs to Provaré’s basement…a dark, intimate room that hides one of Chicago’s best hidden speakeasies. 

Privé, meaning private, ensures all guests have an intimate, sexy setting, with Love Jones Thursdays as the ultimate R&B party. DJ Kid Clay and local Chicago DJs mix classic remixes with the latest hits, setting the perfect tone to kick off your weekend. 

The party starts at 7pm and goes until midnight. Along the way, you can enjoy some of Provarés’ best dishes, including Fried Lobster Tails with garlic herb butter and sweet heat aioli. Spinach & Artichoke Dip is topped with shrimp and crawfish, and served with garlic bread. Salmon Egg Rolls combines fresh salmon, corn, herbs, cream sauce, and mozzarella cheese with chipotle aioli.

And as their website warns, reservations are limited to 4 guests. They are open Thursday from 7pm– midnight, and Friday – Saturday, 6pm – midnight. They also had a separate reservation system, and you can reserve your place at the 21+ club by clicking here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago