Chicago French Market Celebrates 1st Anniversary Dec. 17-18

Guests enjoy market-wide tastings, gift certificates, music and more at Chicago’s first indoor, year-round market

Join Chicago French Market for its “Bon Anniversaire,” a two-day celebration honoring Chicago’s first and only year-round, indoor market beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18. Guests attending the celebration will enjoy free tastings throughout the market, as well as live music, entertainment and the chance to win gift certificates and prizes. Beginning at 10 a.m. each day, 1,000 guests receive a complimentary reusable tote bag, perfect for purchases made at one of the market’s nearly 30 artisan vendors. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Friday, and 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

In addition to the complimentary market-wide tastings, Chicago French Market vendors will distribute “scratch off cards” to customers for the chance to win gift certificates to the market valued at $1 to $20 to use at the market. There is no purchase necessary to receive a scratch off card. Quantities are limited to one per person.

Anniversary Festivities: Friday, Dec. 17

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, enjoy a live concert from Chicago folk artist, Andrew Calhoun. There will be a drawing at 6 p.m. for a $300 gift certificate to L2O, a Michelin three-star restaurant. There is no purchase necessary to enter the drawing, and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Anniversary Festivities: Saturday, Dec. 18
Visit Santa Claus at the market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and enjoy a special cake cutting and refreshments at 1:30 p.m. While there will be live entertainment 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a special performance from the LaSalle Academy Carolers will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A drawing will be held at 5 p.m. for two separate $300 gift certificate to L2O, a Michelin three-star restaurant. There is no purchase necessary to enter the drawing, and the winner does not need to be present.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago 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). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

November and Holiday Tastings and Specials at Chicago French Market

Beaujolais Nouveau Party at the Market, November 18

Chicago French Market upholds the tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau in which, at midnight on the third Thursday of November, France erupts in a massive celebration honoring the unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The Beaujolais Nouveau party at Chicago French Market takes place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 18.

Enjoy the 2010 release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a six week old red wine produced in the Beaujolais region of France, amidst a backdrop of live accordion music by Pat Spaeth. Along with the wine, samplings of international charcuterie, cheese and desserts are served. The party is complimentary for all those who attend and the first 200 participants receive a reusable Chicago French Market tote bag.

Those who are 21 years old and up (with a valid ID) may enjoy a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, but all are welcome to an evening of music, food tasting and fun. Stop by the 27 Chicago French Market vendors and check out the variety of foods and items offered.

November Tastings at Delightful Pastries
Stop by Delightful Pastries every Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to get a jump on holiday treats. On Friday, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, Delightful Pastries offers free samples of its delicious sourdough breads, brownies, bars, macaroons and kolaczki, and homemade triple berry preserves.

Delightful Pastries offers a number of seasonal pies and pastries, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Pie selections include Apple Caramel Pie, Honey Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Key Lime Pie, all made with an all butter crust ($20-$24). Delightful Pastries also features a Mini pastries Tray with an assortment of éclairs, fruit tarts, cream puffs, financiers, mini tortes, tiramisu and more ($40). Other Thanksgiving selections include Cranberry Angel Food Cake, Cranberry Bread Pudding, Cranberry Orange Relish and Potato Pie ($7.99-$30). Orders may be placed by contacting the Chicago French Market location at (312) 234-9644.

Weekly Specials at City Fresh Market
City Fresh Market, known for its fresh poultry, fish and grass-fed beef offers specials now through Saturday, November 13. Specials include Fresh Chicken Cordon Bleu, all natural chicken breast filled with black forest ham and Swiss cheese ($4.49 ea); Stuffed Pork Loin, fresh pork loin filled with spinach and feta cheese ($5.49/pound); Scottish Salmon Fillet ($11.99/pound); Live or Freshly Steamed Whole Lobster ($19.99 ea.); and Fresh Deep Fried Breaded Shrimp ($8.99/pound). Note, that requests for steamed lobster must be placed in advance.

Contact the Chicago French Market location of City Fresh Market to place orders, or call (312) 575-0230.

Demos at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

On Thursday, November 11, attend a demonstration 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. by Quince and Apple, a husband and wife team based out of Madison, WI who make small batch preserves.


On Wednesday, November 17, enjoy a demo by Willie Lehner of Bleu Mont Dairy in Wisconsin. Attendees will taste a cheese called Alpine Renegade, as well as three-year cheddar. The demo is 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is also accepting pre-orders for Thanksgiving, including its Cranberry Pecan bread which is only seasonally available. The loaves can be baked for pick up Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Nov. 24. Beautiful and delicious artisan cheese trays and food-friendly wines are also available, and perfect for holiday parties.


All catering orders need to be placed 48 hours in advance. Contact Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine at its Chicago French Market location at (312) 454-2200 for more information.

Thanksgiving Pies at Vanille Patisserie
Award-winning Vanille Patisserie offers pumpkin pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream for those with a sweet-tooth. Pre-pay from now until November 15 and get a discounted price of $18 per pie. After November 15, pies return to the regular price of $24. Place an order by calling (312) 575-9963 or visit Vanille Patisserie at Chicago French Market.

Sweet Miss Giving’s Fall and Holiday Gifting

Sweeten up a holiday party with catering from Sweet Miss Giving’s or a special gift box. Seasonal gift ideas include Recipe in a Jar, all that’s needed for a perfect batch of Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookies ($15); Cupcake Sampler of one dozen cupcakes ($36); Handmade Chocolates, one dozen rich and delicious handmade chocolate truffles ($18); Perfect Cookies and Perfect Brownies ($25-$30); and SMG Samplers featuring a variety of Sweet Miss Giving’s indulgent brownies, biscotti, Mountain Mix nuts, homemade Hot Cocoa mix, and more ($60-$70).

Holiday gift ideas may be ordered at Sweet Miss Giving’s Chicago French Market location. Call (312) 575-0212 for more information, and learn how to ship most holiday gift orders.

Holiday Centerpieces from Les Fleurs
Right now Les Fleurs is featuring autumn bouquets with colorful arrangements of mums, sunflowers and more ($8-18).


Les Fleurs is now accepting pre-orders for holiday arrangements and centerpieces. Items may be ordered by phone or in-person at the Chicago French Market location. Holiday centerpieces range $30 an up. Call Les Fleurs at (312) 463-1111.

Pumpkin Butter Latte at Lavazza Espression
Save the season with Lavazza Espression’s Pumpkin Butter Latte, a comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk and smooth espresso. Warm your hands with this seasonal specialty for just $3.45. Contact Lavazza Espression at (312) 207-0500.

Rush Hour Concerts in the Market

Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy complimentary music from a local artist. This Friday, November 12, hear authentic French bistro accordion artist Pat Spaeth. On Friday, November 19, listen to the eclectic acoustic stylings of Jenny Bienemann. There will not be a rush hour concert on Friday, November 26 due to the holiday weekend.

Announcing Free Wi-Fi at the Market
Chicago French Market is pleased to announce that it now has complimentary Wi-Fi for market patrons to use while they enjoy offerings from their favorite vendors.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago 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). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Fasta Pasta Now Open at Chicago French Market; Frietkoten Now Serves Belgian Beers

Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., 312-575-0306), located in the West Loop/Fulton River District, opened its newest vendor July 6, Fasta Pasta, adding to nearly 30 individual vendors found at the market. The new vendor joins added options at Chicago French Market, including the addition of Belgian beer, now served at Belgian fry shack Frietkoten.

Fasta Pasta's Made to Order Fresh Pasta
Fasta Pasta, a new, European-inspired fast-casual booth, allows customers to choose their pasta and sauce from a daily variety. The meal is cooked to order and served fresh in a recyclable container in less than two minutes, perfect for eating right away, or taking back to the office or home.

Customers begin by choosing pasta, like Fusilli, Campanelli and Whole Wheat Penne; or choose a premium pasta, from a selection that includes Beef Tortellini, Mushroom Ravioli and Gnocchi. Sauce choices include Marinara and Alfredo; or for a low extra price, premium choices include Vodka, Sweet Red Pepper Basil or Bolognese. Complimentary topping choices include Parmesan and Fresh Basil. For protein lovers, premium additions to the pastas like Meatballs and Chicken are also available. Customers have already been returning to Fasta Pasta to try the many different combinations that enable them to create their "own" special pasta.

"We couldn't be more excited to bring our new concept, Fasta Pasta, to residents, commuters and Chicago-area folks," says Scott Suckow, president of Really Nice Restaurants, developers and operators of Fasta Pasta. " We look forward to serving fresh, fast and great-tasting pasta to Chicago French Market customers."

"Fasta Pasta adds to our already diverse group of food offerings at Chicago French Market," says Sebastien Bensidoun of the Bensidoun family, co-owners and operators of Chicago French Market. "Not only can our visitors find fresh produce and ingredients for home cooked meals from Chicago French Market, but customers can also enjoy a variety of made-to-order meals from our dozens of vendors."

Frietkoten Now Serves Belgian Beer

Frietkoten, the traditional Belgian fry shack at Chicago French Market, now serves Belgian beer Monday through Saturday to complement its traditional, hand-cut Belgian fries.

The seasonal, well-balanced selection features beers on tap: Avril Biere de Table and Debuisson Cuvee Des Trolls, Blond Ale. Beers are also served by the bottle and include Christoffel Blond, Blanche du Bruxelles, Witkap Pater Abbey Single Ale, De Koninck Belgian Pale Ale, Urthel Saisonniere and many more, including three organic brews.

Drafts are served in a 12-oz. glass and are best paired with Frietkoten's traditional Belgian fries, served with a choice of one of Frietkoten's 20 different sauces.

"We are happy to announce the launch of our beer sales at Frietkoten," says Frietkoten owner and Netherlands native Jeroen Hasenbos. "Our well-balanced beer menu has something to offer every palette, and will change regularly based on seasonal offerings and customer feedback."

Frietkoten brings Amsterdam's traditional "fry shack" experience to Chicago, with hand-cut Belgian fries served in a paper cone and distinguished by a crisp outside and soft potato inside.

Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market's nearly 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 http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.

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.

Nearly 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.

“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.