Enjoy a complimentary Pastoral "Staff Favorites" wine tasting after work!

Thursday January 23
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine - Pastoral Wine Tasting
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary

It's no secret that at Pastoral, they love wine. That's why they're excited to celebrate a selection of staff favorites for the month of January.  Stop by Pastoral at the Chicago French Market to learn why these wines made the cut and pick up a bottle or two to take home!

Romantic picnic by your fireplace? Have Pastoral Artisan fix the food for you!

This winter, escape from the cold and turn a quiet night at home into the perfect date with a picnic for two from Pastoral. Call from your office and Pastoral will have your gourmet picnic and a perfect wine pairing ready for you to take home!  

With favorites including the French Countryside to Tapas for Two, Pastoral Picnics are sure to delight. Can't find what you're looking for? Let Pastoral know what you're craving and they will help you put together the perfect picnic medley.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine recreates their 'Love Sandwich'

It's a love sandwich at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine!

 

Pastoral is so excited Oprah chose its Truffle Cheese Trio for her Favorite Things 2013 list, that it is recreating her famous 'love sandwich,' featuring roasted local turkey breast, Sottocenere truffle cheese, lemon artichoke pesto, red onions and field greens, all served on a fresh baguette.

This one-of-a-kind sandwich is available for a limited time only!

Early Bird Shopper Alert

Beginning the week of Thanksgiving and lasting through the end of the year, Pastoral will be open for retail sales weekdays at The French Market starting at 8 a.m. for all you early bird shoppers. Lunch service will continue to start at 10 a.m. Pastoral is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sunday.

 

Chicago French Market Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary Today

Photo by Marian Jarocki

Chicago French Market (131 N. Canal St., Chicago) has a lot to celebrate today. It's celebrating its 4^th anniversary with a full-house of 32 vendors, many of whom were here this morning to toast the occasion with a bottle of bubbly.  Chicago French Market is the City’s first and only year-round, European-inspired indoor market that gives consumers convenient, permanent and personal access to all local Midwestern artisans and purveyors selling an expansive assortment of food, wine, small batch goods and flowers. 

Chicago French Market Presents Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tastings this week

Thursday, November 21

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting  - 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  
Complimentary

 

The annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau is truly an international event. Celebrate this year's arrival with Pastoral during a complimentary tasting from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21.  Be sure to ask your Pastoral cheese monger to recommend some cheese and salami to accompany this year's unique batch!

 

 

 

 

Saturday, November 23
Beaujolais Nouveau - 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Complimentary

 

It's time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau at The Chicago French Market!  This French tradition begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November. You are invited to taste this young wine from the fields in France:  Beaujolais Nouveau.  The grapes used for this wine were on the vine in August, picked in September, in the barrel in October and in the bottle in November. While you taste this young wine, stroll through the market and experience 32 unique vendors specialties.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Showcasing Thanksgiving Wines

They would be lying if they said they weren't thinking about wine all the time. So it's no surprise that they've been thinking about their favorite Thanksgiving wine pairings since last year! Stop by Pastoral throughout the month of November to get a wine recommendation or sample some of Pastoral's Benchmark Wine selections during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. They'll help you find the right bottle for dinner, desert, or for gifts.

 

Pastoral's 2013-14 Gift Catalog is now available!

Whether you're thanking a client for their business, sending a gift to a far-away loved one, or bringing a hostess gift to dinner, Pastoral has your gifting needs covered. Stop by the store for a copy of our new catalog today! Orders can be placed in-store, online or by phone. Local delivery and nationwide shipping is available!

 

Pastoral Artisan has locations in the city as well as a vendor booth at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306).

Pastoral Hosts a Coast to Coast Beer Toast at the Chicago French Market November 14

Thursday, November 14
Coast to Coast Toast - 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pastoral Artisan Wine & Cheese
Beer Tasting

 

Pastoral celebrates the 32nd birthday of Vanburg & Dewulf, the innovative import company bringing Belgium's most unique and exceptional brews to the United States and will be featuring Brouwerij Slagmuylder's uber tradtional Wiktap Pater Tripel Abbey Ale.

CFM's Market Harvest ends tomorrow with amazing specials and events!

Spicy Monkey is offering new Pumpkin Spice Soup and a Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese Sandwich; Superior Nut and Candy is offering Dipped Candy and Caramel Apples; Oh Olive! is showcasing Red Apple and Cranberry Pear Balsamic, Autumn Harvest Teas, Pumpkin Patch Teas, and Butternut Squash Sauce, and Fumare Meats and Deli is offering Harvest Kale Soup. What would a Harvest Festival be without fabulous beers? Enjoy Frietkoten's American Craft and German Oktoberfest Beers.

 

Looking for the perfect October gift? Pick up Pumpkin Pie Soap from Abbey Brown Artisan Soap or enjoy Bello Tea's new Gingerbread Tea Latte, Pumpkin Spice Tea Lattes or Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea. Delightful Pastries will be sampling its various brownies during the Harvest Festival as well as featuring its homemade, gluten-free Butternut Squash Soup and The Thanksgiving sandwich. Other harvest specials include: pumpkin cayenne pepper cheesecake brownie ($3.50 each), the pumpkin bread (8.50/loaf), and pumpkin-shaped all butter sugar cookie ($3.50 each), all perfect for take-home desserts or eating-on-the-run).

 

October is American Cheese Month!  To help us celebrate we'll be joined by four award-winning cheesemakers from across the USA.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Saturday, October 12 - Matthew Scott, Twin Maple Farm

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine celebrates the Chicago French Market's Market Harvest which coincides with the national celebration of American Cheese Month this year. In honor of these occasions, Pastoral will be hosting Matthew Scott from Twin Maple Farm in upstate New York 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 12. This is a great opportunity to meet an original American cheesemaker, and to sample and take home some of his award-winning cheese, Hudson Red. Along with a cold bottle of cider, this rich and decadent cheese is the perfect addition to your fall harvest table. Be sure to come back all month long while we feature the hidden gems of the American cheese scene each week.

 

Saturday October 12 Lunch Hour Music - Robert Cunningham
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
 

Enjoy live music by Robert Cunningham. Quickly becoming one of Chicago's most sought after solo performers, Robert Cunningham's eclectic mix of vocal styles ranging from pop, 70's folk rock, Broadway standards and opera make him one of the most versatile acts out there! Robert appeared on Broadway in the role of Paul in the 2007 Tony Award-winning production of Stephen Sondheim's Company. Most recently he is performing with the Chicago Lyric Opera and the CSO. Catch him from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 at the Chicago French Market.

Chicago French Market Harvest - Thursday, October 10 to Saturday, October 12

Chicago French Market will be celebrating the fall with its three-day Market Harvest, Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, October 12. Vendors will be offering specials, samplings and showcasing new products.

 

Enjoy deals including 10 percent off all Tea Kits and Tea Accessories at Bello Tea. "It's the perfect time to stock up for upcoming hostess gifts and holiday gift-giving," says owner Tammy Reddy.

 

Swing by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 10 for a complimentary cider tasting. Pastoral will be pairing these ciders with some of the best artisanal cheeses from coast to coast in conjunction with American Cheese Month.

 

During the Market Harvest, Delightful Pastries will be sampling a variety of its brownies.  Also, on October 11, Delightful will be celebrating World Egg Day. For only $1 extra, diners can add egg and cheese to their popular Three Piggly Wigglys sandwich ($10) with Polish ham, lean crispy bacon, pan-fried-pork-cutlet, and pickles served on an "everything" bun.

 

"October is the perfect time to celebrate the fall harvest," says Nico Hua, partner of Delightful Pastries. "We encourage our guests to enjoy our savory offerings including homemade, gluten free Butternut Squash Soup, The Thanksgiving sandwich, or enjoy a combination Sandwich and Soup for $10.25.

 

Finish your meal with the pumpkin cayenne pepper cheesecake brownie, a pumpkin-shaped all butter sugar cookie, or take home a loaf of the pumpkin bread, all perfect for the Harvest Fest.  

Spicy Monkey will be offering pumpkin spice soup and its Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese sandwich; Superior Nut and Candy will have special hand-dipped candy and caramel apples; Oh Olive! will feature Red Apple and Cranberry Pear Balsamic, Autumn Harvest and Pumpkin Patch Teas, and Butternut Squash Sauce. Fumare Meats and Deli adds Harvest Kale Soup to its Harvest Fest menu, Frietkoten features American Craft and German Oktoberfest Beers, and Abbey Brown Artisan Soap show its Pumpkin Pie Soap.

 

Thursday, October 10 Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine - Cider Tasting 
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

 

Just in time for fall!  Swing by Pastoral 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10 for a complimentary cider tasting. Pastoral will be pairing ciders with some of the best artisanal cheeses from coast to coast in conjunction with American Cheese Month.

American Cheese Month activities continue at Pastorial Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine with their "Meet the Cheesemaker" series as Matthew Scott of Twin Maple Farm in NY showcases his award winning cheese, Hudson Red, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 12. This is a unique opportunity to taste this one-of-a-kind American original and to meet the man behind the curd.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine has expanded its Chicago French Market wine selection

The newly expanded selection includes classic expressions of the world's major wine regions and intriguing bottles from exotic locales, both popular varietals and exciting blends. From Bordeaux to Mendoza, and Merlot to Bonarda, Pastoral believes that exploring wine should be as fun, delicious and enlightening as choosing cheese. Shoppers are invited to stop by to check out the wine wall; the wines are arranged by body, from lightest to fullest, to mirror the cheeses in the display case, from the freshest to the most aged, with which they will pair well. Their knowledgeable staff is always eager to help.

Meet the Maker: Stu Waters at Pastoral Artisan - Thursday, September 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,

Meet the maker of Stu's This is Bloody Mary Mix and Stu's Sour Pickles, Stu Waters, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, September 19 and sample Stu's delicious Bloody Marys and crisp Sour Pickles during this unique complimentary tasting event.

Pastoral's German Wine Tasting - Thursday, September 12, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.,

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine will be featuring German Wines at the Chicago French Market this September. They're celebrating wines from the Rheinhessen region of Germany all month long!  Sample these unique, refreshing wines at our FREE tasting event at  4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 12 featuring the very best of German wines. 

Chicago French Market - Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Picnic Boxes

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Picnic Boxes



Picnics shouldn't be work. They should be, well, a picnic!
Pastoral has taken all the work out of picnic planning with its portable, themed picnic boxes. Pastoral Picnics are perfect for a concert at Ravinia, a date in the park, or a relaxing evening in your back yard.  They’ve paired cheese, charcuterie and other accoutrements so delicious you'll be looking for reasons to picnic all year long.

Picnic basket selections include: the vegetarian Sweet & Savory; the Locavore; The French Countryside; Tapas for Two; or The Continental Picnic. Orders are available in store at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661) or by phone with up to six hours notice, or online the day before pick up. Pastoral will have the picnic, a full baguette, and even a wine pairing ready for you to go!
Online Ordering Link: http://shop.pastoralartisan.com/index.php/picnics.html

 

For more information call 312-454-2200

TODAY at the Chicago French Market

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be hosting their monthly tasting.  This month’s tasting will be featuring a diverse array of craft beers that are perfect for summer fun.

 

http://www.pastoralartisan.com/events/free-beer-tasting-chicago-french-market-thursday-july-11-430-630pm

 

Rush Hour Music – Dean Milano

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Singer and songwriter Dean Milano engages in storytelling through his preferred medium, music. Having mastered many styles of music, Milano effortlessly moves between the musical genres of folk, country, rock, ballads, bluegrass and pop.  He spent four years touring with The New Seekers and has been the opening act for the Spencer Davis Group, Bo Diddley, The Kingston Trio in addition to many others.  Come listen from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Chicago French Market.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Introduces New House-made Pesto and Picnic Baskets for Two

Just in time for summer, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine introduces a new house-made pestousing a special blend of fresh basil, lemon, toasted almonds, pecorino and olive oil. The new pesto is the perfect accompaniment to fresh mozzarella, pasta dishes, or simply for dipping with fresh bread. Try this tasty spread on Pastoral’s Caprese Pastorale and Mediterranean Turkey sandwiches, or purchase to take home, sold by the pound for $13.99.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine has launched a new line of Pastoral Picnics for Two! Pastoral Picnics feature a tantalizing selection of cheese, charcuterie, accompaniments, and a fresh baguette. Ask any Pastoral employee for the perfect wine to pair with your picnic. Perfectly sized and portable, Pastoral Picnics are ideal for picnics in the park, a day on the lake, an evening at Ravinia or any of Chicago's summer concerts. Pre-order the Pastoral Picnic at the Chicago French Market, by phone (312-454-2200), or online at http://shop.pastoralartisan.com/index.php/picnics.html. Please allow 6 hours’ notice.

Pastoral Artisan Now Offers Pastoral Bites

Pastoral Bites is the newest facet of Pastoral Catering options.  Each bite is carefully designed to be pleasing to the eye and to the palate alike.  Customers can choose classic combinations such as Crostini Italiano with Prosciutto and oven-roasted tomatoes, comfort foods such as the “Pimento” Cheese and Salumi Crostini, or fresh flavors such as the Chevre and Fennel Blood Orange Canape and more!   Each tray begin with 25 ready-to serve bites on the Pastoral signature wooden tray with the option of adding more.e bites on our signature wooden tray with the option of adding more! All trays must be ordered 72 hours in advance. 

October is American Cheese Month at Pastoral

October is American Cheese Month at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. Fifteen percent of select sales from featured American Cheese items will be donated in the name of Daphne Zepos to the American Cheese Education Foundation. 

Daphne Zepos was an internationally recognized expert cheese educator, making significant contributions to the American Cheese Industry.  She was responsible for sourcing traditional artisan cheeses direct from European farms and teaching people how best to enjoy them. She was a great mentor to Pastoral and can be credited to helping elevate the way in which it speaks about its products.

Pastoral will be featuring the Great Ladies of Cheese Gift Medley available for $49.99.  Fifteen percent of sales will be donated to the American Cheese Education Foundation.  This gift box honors female cheese makers who have made their mark on the cheese world. Items featured include Evalon from LaClare Family Farm in Wisconsin, Picolo from Andante Dairy in California, Grayson from Meadow Creek Dairy in Virginia and small batch preserves from The Gracious Gourmet in Connecticut.  The gift box can be purchased in the store or online at www.shop.pastoralartisan.com.

A special October Sandwich for Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be crafted by Chef Chrissy Camba, of Bar Pastoral.  Chef Chrissy will create a unique cheese-centric sandwich that will be available during the month of October.  Fifteen percent of sandwich sales will go to America Cheese Education Foundation. Check with Chicago French Market Pastoral location for details.

Every week in October, Pastoral will be featuring different American artisanal cheeses thoughtfully paired with American wines, beer, spirits or other accompaniments. 15% of all sales from these items will go to American Cheese Educations Foundation.  Check Pastoral’s website or visit the Chicago French Market location to see what weekly cheeses and wines will be highlighted.

Finally this month, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is celebrating the seasonal release of Rush Creek Reserve, America’s most sought after cheese.  Pick some up for $25.99 at the Chicago French Market location.

Bastille Day 2012 at Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market is hosting its annual Bastille Day celebration Saturday, July 14 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.  Grab your favorite French beret and come celebrate the French National Holiday.  Bastille Day is celebrated in honor of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.  It marked the start of the French Revolution, and ultimately the freedom of the French people with the beginning of a new form of modern government. Chicago French Market is happy to celebrate this day of independence with everyone.

This year, for the third time, the fabulous international entertainer, Greta Pope, will grace the stage performing several French cabaret and English favorites including C'est Si Bon, I Love Paris, and Mambo de Paris among others.  She has delighted audiences around the world with her beautiful voice and musical styling.

Also in honor of Bastille Day, Pastoral will be celebrating with a French inspired pairing; French Cheese & Wine. The Pastoral team will guide you through a free sampling of items from farms, orchards, vineyards and distilleries from France.

Don’t miss out on the festivities!  Come and sip on French bubbly in celebration, catch once in a lifetime performances and browse the market for delicious French delicacies.

Specials and features at Chicago French Market in July

Check out some great deals and specials happening this month at Chicago French Market!

Delightful Pastries

Delightful Pastries has relocated within the Chicago French Market to the center aisle next to Kotel Kosher.  To celebrate the move, new offerings have been added to the menu.

The new savory offering will feature Volcanoes, buns stuffed with scalloped potatoes, pancetta, and caramelized onions topped with gruyere. A new dessert bar is now available as well: chocolate raspberry jam, made from scratch, on top of a cookie topped with nuts and cinnamon streusel. Also available is a new gluten free offering, chocolate pebble cookies and chocolate bark, and two new tortes; passion fruit and chocolate mousse torte

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral is celebrating Bastille Day at Chicago French Market with a free wine and cheese tasting.  Try some of the nation’s most delicious French wine and cheese selections and other accompaniments on the French National Holiday. 

Don’t forget to share all those amazing artisan foods that you tasted during the 2nd Annual Pastoral Artisan Producer Fest. To keep the memory alive, every month Pastoral will sell items from vendors introduced at the Producer Festival.  It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce these artisan foods to your friends and family. 

Ames Honey from the Ames Farm in Watertown, MN will be offering raw honey in single-varietal flavors. Quince and Apple Preserves from Madison, WI is selling some of its inventive and seasonal spreads that showcase the outstanding flavor of the fresh, largely local ingredients that go into its preserves.

Valentine Vodka in Detroit, MI crafts vodka like no other.  Founder and Master Distiller, Rifino Valentine spent four years experimenting with distilling techniques before becoming one of the first distilleries in the world to use a multi-grain recipe.  Featured at Pastoral this month will be a proprietary blend that features locally grown Red Michigan wheat, barley and corn.


RAW

Look out for this Chicago French Market vendor if you will be attending the Taste of Chicago July 11-15 in Grant Park.  Stop by and visit their booth!


Saigon Sisters

Saigon Sisters is always here to bring you the latest and most unique products in the market. Check out some new products that will give you a little boost next time you stop in.

Spindrift Sodas are now available and are truly refreshing. Made with sparkling water, fresh squeezed juice and fruit purees, they pair perfectly with the delicious Spring Rolls, Banh Mis, and Rice bowls. Try the Half and Half brewed tea and lemonade. Delicious!

Who doesn't love premium made Vosges chocolates? Saigon Sisters now carries the new Wild Ophelia line with amazing flavors including New Orleans Chili, Beef Jerky, Southern Peach Hibiscus, and Peanut Butter and Banana.

Red Boat fish sauce is now being sold at Saigon Sisters, for the chef who’s looking to try something new. Also available are a selection of great cookbooks for the Asian cook in your house.  Pick up titles like Momofuku, Into the Vietnamese Kitchen, and the latest one from Andrea Nguyen’s Asian Tofu.


Wisma

Wisma is delighted to introduce its new summer menu which includes an assortment of new entrees, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.  Receiving rave reviews are the Baracoa Fajitas, the Vegetable Thai Curry, the Ocean Raised Salmon with Pesto and Semolina Shells, and the fabulous Spinach and Strawberry Salad.  As always, the food is affordable, organic, local and absolutely delicious.  Bring some of Wisma’s sandwiches, spreads/dips and crackers to your next picnic or outing—you won’t be disappointed.

Upcoming Events at Chicago French Market

June 7, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Pat Spaeth

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Notable accordion musician Pat Spaeth will share her musical expertise at The Chicago French Market.  Cast your troubles aside and enjoy traditional French music before your evening commute

June 7, 2012 – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Monthly Wine Tasting

5-7 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting held the first Thursday of the month.  Come and enjoy a tasting of several varieties of artisan wines.

June 13, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Matt Cantlon

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been playing guitar and singing for over 20 years. The Chicago French Market is pleased to have him perform a lunch hour concert featuring a selection of classics, rock, country and pop songs for your enjoyment.

June 21, 2012 - Make Music Chicago

Throughout the Afternoon, Complimentary

Come and enjoy the musical talents throughout the day at Make Music Chicago. The festival is complimentary for both musicians and audiences.

June 21, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Coventry Jones

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Coventry Jones is a Bob Dylan-inspired singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI.  Coventry combines critically acclaimed vocals with style ranging from Folk, Celtic and Blues. Come and enjoy his complimentary concert before your commute home.

June 27, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Gabrielle Browdy

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Thirteen year old Gabrielle Browdy will be performing a complimentary concert at The Chicago French Market.  While she may be young, Gabrielle is an accomplished and talented musician who has accomplished the art of singing a variety of styles.  This is a great way to spend your lunch hour with friends and co-workers. 

 

Saturday July 14, 2012 – Bastille Day Celebration

1-3 p.m. Complimentary

Come and enjoy the great Greta Pope for a Bastille Day celebration at Chicago French Market.  Cabaret and champagne will be the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon.