Raising the bar
to artiic heights FRENCH 75 MIXES HIGH-END ART WITH SPECIALTY COCKTAILS By Diane Krieger Spivak Photos provided by French 75
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ulture never tasted so good.
Case in point: French 75, which opened in September across the Fox River from the Paramount Theatre, brings a new twist to old-world class and civility. The Aurora gallery and lounge conjures up the Parisian salons of the past, hearkening back to those gathering places for intellectuals and artists. French 75 is the brainchild of Hope Ashworth, who relocated from northern California eight years ago and has tapped into her years of experience running her own art gallery there. Ashworth owns French 75 with her son Braden Smith,
who manages the lounge. “Drinks are his artistry,” says Ashworth. Smith worked in bars where he learned to be a mixologist while studying jazz in New York and California. “We create our own cocktails,” says Ashworth. “We have a full bar so you can have whatever you want.” Everything is made in-house, including syrups and hand-chipped ice cubes. Wine and a charcuterie menu are also available. “We have beautiful French cheeses,” notes Ashworth, who is also partnering with a local restaurant to offer pop-up dining. “It’s a very elegant but warm space,” she continues. “Because I love Paris and French impressionist work, I wanted to make this a 1920s French salon feel — it’s
DINING & ENTERTAINING JANAUARY 2022
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