Sunshine through branches at Chez Jaques

Under the spreading chestnut tree stands not the village smithy, but rather a tall slender waitperson, to take my order in the leafy shade in the charming Wine Garden behind Chez Jacques, 1022 S. 1st St..

Summer has settled softly into July, so the waitperson brings small cardboard squares to place over the top of my wine glass, to prevent fruit flies from dropping in to sip my ruby-red pinot noir, which just now catches the fading light of a Milwaukee day. No fruit flies fly by, though overhead, a jet bound for Mitchell International does.

The aforementioned chestnut tree, of the “horse-eye” kind, is an old soul, having stood for years where it stands now, all twisted of trunk and rough of bark. It hovers over diners and reigns over a garden said to be tended by a devoted Chez Jacques chef. A mural on the back wall, by local artist Amanda Aquino, tells in part the tale of Le Puyen-Velay in France.
_

Exit the genuine garden and enter the Garden Room, a rustic retreat hung with paintings. This is where to be when the chill sets in and the chestnut tree has shed its large glossy leaves. Tall and tan and young and lovely Bossa Nova tunes waft in from outside. Life has supreme moments. Experience them here.

Jacques Chaumet is opening his restaurant for a 10th Anniversary celebration this weekend, July 21-23 at 1022 S. 1st Street in Milwaukee.  There will be live music from Robin Pluer, Keith Watling, and guitarist Dick Eliot with Don Eliot on bass during successive days. For more information, visit the Chez Jacques website or call (414) 672-1040.