This Randolph Street pioneer still sizzles with scene--plus a renewed vision of French cuisine.

The Scene
A long-standing cornerstone of the West Loop dining scene, Marche still holds sway with its clubby, urban carnival atmosphere. The tripped-out decor is a visual feast, with phantasmagoric artwork, a hip lounging-dining bar area, and a bustling open kitchen with flaming rotisserie. Outre servers are part of the floor show.

The Food
The kitchen coaxes maximum flavor from simple ingredients in mostly traditional French preparations. Perfectly textured cream of cauliflower soup elevates the humble vegetable, especially with its dollop of white truffle sauce; grilled baby octopus with artichoke hearts, potatoes, black olives in a simple lemon vinaigrette is a tangy Mediterranean delight. Hearty and rustic, juicy seared pork tenderloin in Dijon demi-glace is plated with stick-to-your-ribs sausage and bacon-braised cabbage. Desserts give bistro classics a slight tweak, like tarte tatin with green apple sorbet and creme brulee laced with vanilla tea and orange peel.