We had the opportunity this weekend to meet up with a number of travel, food and wine enthusiasts at Duran European Sandwiches Cafe located in the River West area of Chicago at 539 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Duran is a family owned chain of cafes and has several shops in Vienna, Budapest and Istanbul, but the River West location is the only licensed outlet in the United States. They feature wonderfully different small open faced sandwiches called tartines (around 35 on the current menu), omelets, bagels, pastries made in house, soups, and mini quiches.
Our Litereati Meetup hostess worked with Duran staff to create a Eurobrunch with specialty omelets, tartine samplers, and mini quiches, along with coffee and tea. Litereati provided champagne for the mimosas and a geography trivia contest with travel swag prizes, both of which ensured the enthusiastic participation of the group. Duran provided a delicious tasting menu including the fresh ingredients, european meats and cheeses that you might expect to find while relaxing at a European cafe.
Chèvre, mushroom, chive & artichoke quiche
All of the brunch items were served with a side salad, and Duran roasted potatoes which were crispy and delicious.
Tartine sampler served warm – Roast beef, ham and veggie sandwiches
Man does not live by food alone although Le Bon Vie Travels does seem to always partake in a memorable meal, a glass of wine…and probably a fine dessert as well. I would be extremely remiss if I did not mention the purpose of the meet up was to get together with like minded people interested in travel to share conversation, adventures, advice, and plans for the future. We had inspiring conversation, shared some of our upcoming plans, and met quite a few interesting travelers and people in the industry – a great little arm-chair travel get-together to keep the wanderlust at bay until our next weekend away with friends.
People travel for different reasons…to experience new cultures, meet new people, explore history, art, architecture, ancestry, adventure, food and wine…and sometimes just for the elusive sunshine! Being able to share it all with other enthusiasts increases the gratification and like the vacation photo album, lets you relive it all again. Wishing you memorable travels….and Le Bon Vie.
