Le Petit Gourmet

Culled from: Drury, John. Dining in Chicago, New York: The John Day Company, 1931, pp. 147-148.

Note: The Newberry Library holds the personal papers of author John Drury.

LE PETIT GOURMET, 619 North Michigan Avenue

Established by Mrs. William Vaughn Moody, Le Petit Gourmet has played an important part in the literary history of the city since its beginning over nine years ago. Here it was that Harriet Monroe, editor of Poetry magazine, conducted her popular "Poetry Readings" — bringing before the public such well-known poets as the late Amy Lowell, Carl Sandburg, Lew Sarett, Edgar Lee Masters, Alfred Kreymborg, Witter Bynner, Eunice Tietjens, Mrs. Arthur Aldis, Marion Strobel, and Maxwell Bodenheim.

Le Petit Gourmet, occupying basement quarters, has always been popular among writers, artists, musicians, society folk, epicures, and all others who enjoy good foods. Many of Mrs. Moody's famed recipes (she is no longer connected with the establishment), contained in her recently-published cook book, are still served here, and the excellent pastries made by the Home Delicacies Association (which Mrs. Moody also founded) are part of the menu. People still come here for the East Indian chicken curry, served only at the Wednesday luncheon during cold weather and always a popular favorite of the house.

The interior is attractive, colorful, and unique, featuring real burning candles, a wood fire in the fireplace, rare and quaint porcelains and colorful designs on the walls. During the summer months you may dine in the Continental manner at little round tables in the Italian Court, an old-world court that has been photographed and drawn and painted more than any other spot in town. Italian balconies are all about and the summer sky is above you. Men mostly frequent the Italian Room in the rear of the basement quarters. Le Petit Gourmet is now operated by Mrs. Florence Sturgis and Mrs. Ethel Williams, two capable women, well known in Chicago restaurant and catering circles.