Down The Cobblestoned Alley

RM Champagne Salon

Nestled away down a cobblestoned backstreet behind Nellcôte restaurant in West Loop is the romantically industrial-chic, candlelit courtyard of RM Champagne Salon, which has been serving only the finest selection of champagne and wine to the city’s most discerning drinkers since it quietly opened its doors in August. Outside under candle and moonlight, blue metal chairs are scattered around wooden tables, while inside, an elegant salon is fitted with chandeliers, antique mirrors, and a fireplace which makes a handsome perch for when the notorious Chicago winter chill sets in.

Combined, they become the perfect, friendly setting to enjoy the highly-curated menu of artisanal and estate-grown wines and champagnes from sommelier Jason Wagner, formerly of New York’s L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, who focuses on local growers and small-batch producers (in fact, the name RM stands for Récoltants Manipulants, artisanal farmers who bottle their own wine). From time to time there are also champagne specials on hand, like the recent arrival of rare, fruity 2002 Grand Cru de Pierre Moncuit. Not a bar to overlook its food, the menu of tea sandwiches, canapés, a sweet selection of cheese and fresh pastries from former Fritz Pastry owner Nate Meads round out the line-up of palate-pleasers. Special celebration, or post-work treat, just don’t ask for a bottle of Dom. Clink!