Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris, Visits Chicago French Market

The Honorable Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris, Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Schapira and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley attended a private reception in their honor at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St.; 312-575-0306) at MetraMarket yesterday (Tuesday, April 27). It marked Delanoë’s first ever trip to Chicago.

Mayor Delanoe and Mayor DaleyNearly 300 people attended the event, including notable Chicagoans Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. Other Paris and Chicago officials were present, including Renee Johnson and Brett August of the Paris Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, and Sidy Diallow, acting consul general of France in Chicago.

Kurtis introduced Mayor Delanoë who, speaking in French, thanked the city of Chicago for its hospitality and praised Chicago’s beauty. Kurtis then joked, “For those of you who don’t speak French, Mayor Delanoë just declared his candidacy for Mayor of Chicago,” which received laughs. Later, Mayor Daley spoke of his admiration for Paris and how he is always inspired by the City of Light.

The cocktail reception at Chicago French Market was hosted by its owners, the Bensidoun family of Paris, represented by Sebastien and Pascal Bensidoun; and U.S. Equities Realty represented by Robert A. Wislow and Camille P. Julmy. Other hosts included the Paris Committee of Chicago Sister Cities and the Consulate General of France in Chicago.

Chicago French Market is owned and developed by the Bensidoun family, who also owns and operates numerous similar markets throughout France and in several of Chicago’s suburbs.Bob Wislow, Bill Kurtis, Donna LaPietra, Mayor Daley, Sebastien Bensidoun

“Chicago French Market proudly partnered with the Paris Committee of Chicago Sister Cities and the Consulate General of France in Chicago to welcome the honorable Bertrand Delanoë on his first visit to the Windy City,” said Sebastien Bensidoun of the Bensidoun family. “This event successfully brought together prominent Americans and members of the French community in the heart of Chicago’s first indoor, year-round market.”

Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s 30 vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com

No comments: