Gene Siskel Film Center Hosting Neighborhood Night Monday, Feb. 17

On Monday, February 17, the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., the only movie theater in the Chicago’s Loop Theatre District, will host its second Neighborhood Night. Last July’s event was such a success that the Film Center is eager to host a second one. The Film Center welcomes local workers, visitors, and most notably area residents to experience the unique cinema. Attendees will
enjoy member ticket prices for the night, paying only $6 per screening, while Film Center members pay $5. A reception courtesy of Whole Foods Market will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A wide array of films are scheduled for the evening: BAY OF ANGELS (6:00 p.m.), by director Jacques Demy, an elegant French tale of love and destruction; 7 BOXES (6:00 p.m.), a humorous Paraguayan thriller; Juliette Binoche in Auguste Rodin biopic, CAMILLE CLAUDEL 1915 (7:45 p.m.), directed by noted filmmaker Bruno Dumont; and IN NO GREAT HURRY (8:00 p.m.), a documentary by Thomas Leach that focuses on the late pioneer of color photography, Saul Leiter. For tickets and more information, visit www.siskelfilmcenter.org.

     

Kids Will Not Be Left Out at Dine Restaurant this New Years Eve

 

Dine Restaurant lets the Kids celebrate this New Years Eve by offering a "Family Friendly" celebration that features a 3 course "Big Kids" menu along with a very tempting 3 course menu for Adults as well.

The "Big Kids" menu will be unique in that Chef Will Johnson has put just as much time and attention to detail in their menu as he has the Adults menu.  The unique and creative presentations will make the little ones feel like they are just as much a part of the celebration as their parents. 

"Big Kid" Appetizers will include "Ants on a Log", with raisins for "Ants" on a Celery log filled with Peanut Butter and Almond Butter; Ham & Cheese "Sushi" with Honey Ham and Local aged Cheddar rolled up in white bread to look like a Sushi
Roll. Entrees will include "Birds in a Nest" with "Little Chick" meatballs in a Spaghetti nest along with "Oceans of Cheese" with a Hot Dog "Octopus" in a sea setting of Cheddar Cheese Sauce.

Four choices will be available for each course so that each "Big Kid" can find something they will enjoy.  Additionally, for littler ones who may not be able to consume all three courses, an ala Carte option will be available.  A glass of Sparkling Grape Juice is included for the "Big Kids" so that they can toast the New Year with their parents.

Ham & Cheese "Sushi" 

In addition to the menu for Kids, there will be a "Countdown" and Balloon Drop at 7pm and 9pm so that all kids can enjoy the annual celebration of saying "Happy New Year" with their parents, regardless of their bed time.  Hats & Noise Makers will be available along with Face Painting and a Coloring contest to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening.

Adults will enjoy a fabulous three course meal with such selections as Tuna Carpaccio and Hand Made Mozzarella for Appetizers along with Entrees consisting of Roast Venison with Juniper berries, braised cabbage and honey braised apples; Red Drum with a scallion potato cake, braised leeks and a truffle vinaigrette and a traditional New Year’s Eve staple, Surf and Turf with Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Maine Lobster.  A glass of Sparkling wine will be included for the Adults.

Birds in a Nest

The "Big Kids" menu will be $20 (with ala Carte options for littler ones) and Adults will be $65.  Both prices do not include tax, gratuity or additional beverages.  Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly at 312-602-2100.

Dine Restaurant & Bar is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro at 733 W. Madison.  Complimentary Valet parking is available at the Hotel with validation in the restaurant.

 Hot Dog "Octopus" in a sea setting of Cheddar Cheese Sauce

   

Two New Vendors open at Chicago French Market

Oh, Olive! is now open in the Chicago French Market. The new vendor sells various extra virgin olive oils, vinegars, teas, coffees and spices and is dedicated to educating clients about the delicious and healthy properties of everything it sells. After a lucrative career in education as a former teacher, principal and associate superintendent, owner Sandy Schuenemann quickly transitioned to business woman by opening her first location in Libertyville in 2010. She quickly expanded to Glenview in 2011 and now along with business partner and niece, Mary Koval, her new location at Chicago French Market is up and running.

Schuenemann has made this venture a family affair with her husband, Art and son and daughter-in-law Aaron and Alecia being heavily involved in the business. "We can offer the consumer the nutritional and chemistry information on our oils so that they can make their own educated decisions about what they purchase," Aaron Schuenemann adds, "as well as providing them with a product that will enhance the taste of anything they eat. You don't have to be a chef to use our products; it's really simple, and we teach you how."

Dedicated to educating clients about the healthy benefits of consuming fresh extra virgin olive oil and vinegars, Oh, Olive provides a unique experience in tasting and learning. The stores are staffed with olive oil experts and enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about the oils and vinegars, especially how to use them in everything from appetizers to desserts. All of their recipes are available online www.oo2go.com or in the stores.


Spicy Monkey Soup Company now open

Spicy Monkey will have its official opening this May at the Chicago French Market. Its selection of fresh soups will begin with an amazing, fresh, never frozen and delicious vegetarian stock which is then restyled into a daily variety of soups. All soups can be complemented with anything from chicken breast, bacon, pinto beans and Ditalini pasta.

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches will also be on the menu. All sandwiches will be hand-made to order with meats, cheeses and breads not containing preservatives, and fresh veggies. Featured sandwiches will include Asparagus with Swiss, and Provolone and Chihuahua with Blueberry Preserves.

For more information about Spicy Monkey Soup Co., call 312-454-2991.

About Chicago French MarketChicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market's diverse group of local 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).
Chicago French Market offers complimentary garage parking with entrances at 164 N. Canal St. and 165 N. Clinton St. for one hour or less with a minimum purchase of $20 or more (receipt required).

For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com. "Like" Chicago French Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoFrenchMarket and follow the market on Twitter at @ChiFrenchMarket.

Halloween at the Chicago French Market

Over 200 children celebrated Halloween at the Chicago French Market Saturday, October 29

Today may be Halloween, but 100s of kids celebrated this past Saturday at the Chicago French Market. Teaming with the Fulton River District Parent Networking Group, more than 200 people gathered for to enjoy a family-fun-filled Saturday afternoon.

People came from near and far, many bringing aunts and grandparents, to enjoy pumpkin decorating with stick-on color-form faces for the younger guests and traditional carving for the older ones. 

James, Rebecca, Dan and Elizabeth Broderick (Lincoln Park)

Costumed children ranged from silly to scary – the most popular being princes, mermaids, dinosaurs, animals and even a number of law enforcement officers.

Families mingled, enjoyed cider and cookies and admired the array of creative and fun Halloween costumes. Concentra hosted a spinning game contest, distributed helium balloons and provided families with information about their services.

Following the pumpkin decorating, French Market vendors provided treats for families meandering throughout the market. 

Madelin Callahan (Lakeview) of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine with Kate Wollin (Fulton River District)

Even without a holiday, the French Market is a treat, but the Pumpkin Party made the day an extra special one. All the families seemed to have a lovely time at Saturday’s event and agreed that it was a great way to start celebrating Halloween.

Carter Holland (West Loop) really enjoyed his treats from the French Market

Hi-resolution photos may be purchased here: Chicago French Market Halloween Photos