Lunch Hour Music with Ashleigh Ashton at the Chicago French Market

Wednesday, September 4

Lunch Hour Music

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ashleigh Ashton

Ashleigh Ashton has been singing and playing her guitar in bars and at open mics since the age of 9. Today, at 18, she loves connect with people by sharing her original music. Joining her on stage is her older sister on keyboards and  younger sister on guitar. The trio shares a natural sibling harmony and love of music. Her message is one of self-empowerment, a theme that resonates throughout all of her original songs. She hopes to inspire people to stand tall and believe in their dreams!

Ashleigh’s first big break came in the summer of 2009, when she traveled to New York to record three original songs, produced by Grammy Award winning producer Barry Goldstein. Following that, she went on to Castle Nine Studios in Rochester, New York to record her song "Break In Two", co-written and produced by Richard Fink IV and Johnny Cummings.

At a casting session late last year in Chicago, she was introduced to MashPlant.com founder and Executive Producer Jason Brett, who invited Ashleigh to become MashPlant.com’s first Rising Star.
Ashleigh balances schoolwork with a rigorous performing schedule at musical venues throughout the Midwest. With six siblings pursuing their own interests in the creative arts, Ashleigh hopes to inspire other young artists to FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS! Come break up your day and see this talented young performer, who may inspire you.

Chicago French Market is in the June issue of Bon Appetit!

Chicago French Market earns it's place in the Top 5 Food Halls in America!

 

Congrats to our very own Cindy Kurman for getting the photo credit of the Saigon Sister's sandwich!

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen's David Jarvis Featured on WGN-TV

August 13 is National Filet Mignon Day, and in honor of the event, chef David Jarvis of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen stopped by WGN-TV's outdoor patio to demonstrate how to make Pappadeaux's Filet Mignon Sandwich. With the help of Midday News anchor Marcella Raymond, Jarvis showed how to grill the filet, and place it on the toasted roll, along with the preparation of the sliced tomatoes, sauteed onions, horseradish mayonnaise and arugula.

In case you missed the segment, press here or watch it below.



Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen has two Chicago area locations, at 921 Pasquinelli Dr. in Westmont (630-455-9846), and at 798 W. Algonquin Rd. in Arlington Heights (847-228-9551). For more information, visit http://www.pappadeaux.com/.

Watch WGN TV Midday News Wednesday!

Be sure to check out WGN-TV's Midday News tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 21. In studio will be the wild "Atomic Punk," a custom car featuring a unique bubble top that's part of the 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels happening this weekend, Jan. 23-25 at Chicago's McCormick Place.

PLUS, Karma Asian Food & Wine's executive chef, Robert Packer, will be on-hand during the Lunckbreak segment to showcase his Crispy Fried Golden Pork Won Ton recipe from his special Chinese New Year.

You can watch the segment live on TV, or on the web here.

Birch River Grill Brings Picnic Fare to WGN-TV

It's summer, and that means it's perfect weather for a picnic. John Ayaleanos, executive chef of Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights; 847-427-4242), demonstrated how to prepare the perfect summer picnic meal today during WGN-TV's Noon News. Chef John's Grilled and Chilled Cajun Shrimp is a perfect light dish for an afternoon meal in the fresh air, and paired with Chef John's corn relish, the dish brings seasonal vegetables into the mix for not only a tasty but healthy picnic.

Chef John, with the help of WGN anchor Micah Materre, showed the versatility of the dish. Served warm off the grill or chilled for a picnic, the Grilled and Chilled Cajun Shrimp is perfect for a midsummer picnic.

In case you missed it, you can view the segment here: http://wgntv.trb.com/news/local/lunchbreak/.

Chef John's shrimp is featured on Birch River Grill's regular menu. For more information on Birch River Grill, visit their web site at http://www.birchrivergrill.com/ or call (847) 427-4242.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Good Karma on WGN-TV

WGN-TV studios were filled with good karma yesterday when Robert Packer, executive chef of the chic pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900), prepared Vegetable Okonomiyaki during WGN Noon News' live "Lunchbreak" segment. Chef Robert, with the help of WGN anchor Micah Materre, wowed the studio with the dish's tantalizing aroma.

The dish is perfect for summer, featuring rice and fresh, seasonal steamed vegetables served in a warm Asian pancake. You can also put your own twist on the pancake, such as adding scallions like Chef Robert did.

In case you missed the segment, you can watch it here.

Karma is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations or for more information, please call the restaurant at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com/.

Photo credit: Lauren Perri, Kurman Communications, Inc.