Oh Olive! features Wild Mushroom and Sage Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Getting in the mood for Thanksgiving and all the holidays? 

Stop at Oh Olive! French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. Oh Olive! suggests drizzling the Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil over turkey before roasting and using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing.  Oh Olive! chefs also suggest serving a side of Cinnamon Pear Sweet Potatoes. Recipes are available at Oh Olive! at the French Market. Enjoy a special 10 percent discount on shopping any Wednesday in November.  Just say, "I love Oh Olive!" to get the discount.

Oh Olive! is a vendor in the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306). For more information, visit http://oholive.com

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago

There are countless ways to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago.  Whether dining in or out, these restaurants and businesses are offering specials that will make it easy to entertain.

Bring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to enjoy this Thanksgiving.   Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives. 

For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at all three Delightful Pastries locations:  5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215); the Old Town Chicago location at 1710 N. Wells St., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724) and the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).

Delightful Pastries’ International Cookies Are Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

November starts the holiday season and entertaining is on everyone’s mind. Delightful Pastries makes it easy, with an array of international cookies, all holiday favorites from around the globe. Available are Cucidati (Sicilian Fig Cookies), Viennese Almond Crescents, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Polish Kolaczki (Raspberry, Apricot, Cheese), Christmas Mice,  Rugula, Linzer and Italian Rainbow Cookies ($19/lb. or by platter, $20-$30). French Macarons ($30 lb.) and Chanukah Macaroons ($1.75 each) also are available.


The East Bank Club is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at its place this year and you’re invited. The East Bank Club’s signature restaurant, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago), is offering a traditional turkey dinner buffet with all the trimmings, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 28.

Executive chef Mike Lodes is featuring a variety of appetizer and salad , a carving station with Roast Turkey served with gravy and natural jus, Roast Prime Rib of Beef with horseradish sauce, and Roast Leg of Lamb with mint jelly, and an abundance of side options. To finish off, guests will be treated to an impressive spread of seasonal fruits, assorted cakes, tortes, cookies, and cupcakes, and pies. The price is $45 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be placed online at maxwellsattheclub.com or by calling (312)527-5800 ext. 301.

East Bank Club’s Food Shop’s Thanksgiving To-go
If you plan to entertain at home this Thanksgiving, East Bank’s Food Shop will be delighted to do the cooking. The Chefs at the Food Shop have put together a complete Thanksgiving menu to suit a variety of tastes. You have the choice of ordering a la carte from their entire menu or selecting the Thanksgiving Package. With the latter option the Food Shop chefs have curated their version of an ideal holiday meal. For the complete Thanksgiving menu visit eastbankclub.com, and to place your order call (312) 527 5800 ext. 318.



Northbrook’s Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; 847-205-4433) chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris want to make your Thanksgiving dinner perfect and easy. The two award winning chefs have announced their “Thanksgiving To Go 2013” menu available for pre-order now. All orders must be received no later than Sunday, November 24 for pickup at the restaurant on Thursday, November 28 between noon and 3 p.m.

The à la carte menu includes everything you would want for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Start with a whole Roasted Turkey and Gravy, serving between 10 and 14 people for $110 or half a turkey to serve between 5 and 7 people for $60.

Homemade Apple Sage Stuffing ($14/quart) and Homemade Sausage and Giblet Stuffing ($24/quart) are available by the quart, serving between 4 and 6 people.

A variety of homemade appetizers include Butternut Squash Soup (Serves 4/$20/quart), Organic Mixed Green Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Pumpkin Seeds and Pomegranate (Serves 6-8/$45); Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp with Homemade Horseradish Sauce ($42/dozen); cut vegetable assortment with Amish blue cheese dip (Serves 6-8/$35); or Smoked Salmon Platter with Cream Cheese, Cucumbers, Capers and Red Onions with Pumpernickel and Whole Grain Baguettes (serves 6-8/$65).

Side dishes include Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (pint/2-3 servings/$7; quart/4-6 servings/$14); Sweet Potato Puree (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Sautéed Green Beans (pint/2-3 servings/$8; quart/4-6 servings/$16); Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts (pint/2-3 servings/$12; quart/4-6 servings/$24); and Local Cranberry Sauce (pint/2-5 servings/$8; quart/6-10 servings/$16).

A Prairie Grass Cafe Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without Mom’s Homemade Heirloom Pumpkin Pie ($24/pie/6 slices); Mom’s Pecan Pie ($24/pie/6 slices) or Double Chocolate Cake ($50/cake/10-12 servings).

Not in the mood to entertain at home?
Bring your family and friends to Prairie Grass Cafe this Thanksgiving

Prairie Grass Cafe will be serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 28. The cost of $49 per person includes a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, Pomegranate and Balsamic Dressing; Oven Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy; Apple Chestnut Stuffing; Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Homemade Marshmallow Topping; fresh vegetable; local cranberry sauce, and choice of Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or Double Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required.

Chicago French Market provides one-stop shopping for the Thanksgiving Holidays
Whether it’s a hostess gift, cooking supplies or a meal to go, the Chicago French Market provides opportunities for Thanksgiving shopping under one roof.

Abby Brown Artisan Soaps is featuring its ever popular Pumpkin Bars this month. A perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.

Picking out the perfect wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner or to bring as a gift is difficult if you’re not wine knowledgeable. When seeking expert advice, look no further than Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine at Chicago French Market. Pastoral is the perfect shop to learn more and receive expert help in choosing the perfect wine. Staff is trained to know wine and how to pair to complement foods. Stop by Pastoral for advice throughout November.

Stop at Oh Olive! at the French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect enhancement for drizzling over turkey before roasting or for using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing. 

Not everyone serves a traditional turkey for Thanksgiving, according to the folks at Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna. Sam’s offers a delicious ground turkey lasagna and has introduced a Steak & Potato Lasagna just in time for the holidays. They have upped their to go pre-packaged offerings for holiday gift, entertaining and corporate events.

Mediterrenean Twist on Stuffing From Chicago French Market Vendor Oh Olive

Make Your Own Mulled Wine With Spices From Oh Olive at the Chicago French Market

Mulled Wine has been sipped in the cold winter months in Europe for centuries. This season Oh Olive makes this European tradition available to you, will its pack of mulling spices. Each is available for $12.95. You can add these spices to a robust wine, apple cider or other fruit juices, creating the perfect drink for a chilly night this holiday season. For more information call (312) 207-1795.

Great Recipe for a Mediterranean Twist on Stuffing from Oh Olive

Ingredients:

§  1 lb. loaf of rye bread with seeds, cut into 1 inch chunks

§  2 cups chicken or turkey stock (can be made with vegetable stock)

§  1 ½ teaspoons of caraway seeds

§  6 garlic cloves, minced

§  3 cups celery, chopped

§  2 Golden delicious (or other) apples, peeled and chopped

§  1 large sweet onion, chopped

§  ¼ cup Delizia Wild Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil

§  ¼ cup Delizia Butter Olive Oil

§  1 teaspoon Galena Garlic Stuffing & Dressing Seasoning

§  ½ teaspoon Sonoma Gourmet Sea Salt

§  Pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place bread chunks on cookie sheet and drizzle with the Wild Mushroom & Sage oil and toast until lightly browned and crispy.

Cook caraway seeds in Butter olive oil in sauté pan over medium heat for about two minutes. Next add celery, chopped apples, garlic and onions. Stir veggies and sauté until veggies are softened slightly. Add seasoning, salt and pepper. When all are browned (10 minutes or so), add the chicken stock and scrape up any of the browned bits to add to the stuffing mix. Pour mixture over the toasted bread cubes, and toss until coated well. Transfer mixture to a 3 quart casserole dish.  Drizzle top with Mushroom & Sage oil. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until stuffing is crisp on top.

Note: You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate.  Reheat at 300 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. You can also do individual stuffing servings in a muffin pan.

Holiday Pies and Sides at the Chicago French Market

Your Favorite Holiday Pies Available at Vanille Pastisserie at The Chicago French Market

The French trained Pastry Chefs at Vanille Pastisserie are proud to announce their fall seasonal pies. The featured pies are Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Apple with Streusel topping and Pecan Pie. These 10” pies are available for $26/each or $47 for any two. Pre-orders will be taken until November 20 at (312) 575-9963.

  

Get your Holiday Turkey and Sides at the Chicago French Market's City Fresh Market

This Thanksgiving all your shopping needs can be met at City Fresh Market at the Chicago French Market. The only European market located in downtown Chicago is now taking orders for its fresh, all-natural 10-12 pound turkeys. With City Fresh’s abundance of fresh produce you also can pick up ingredients for your favorite sides; whether your Thanksgiving dinner tradition calls for sweet potatoes, greens, cranberry sauce or more. The City Fresh team of bakers provides an exceptional selection of European pastries for dessert.  To order your turkey stop into the Chicago French Market or call (312) 575-0230.

Pick Up an Original Holiday Pie at Delightful Pastries at the Chicago French Market

Fresh holiday pies might be one of the best things about Thanksgiving. Delightful Pastries offers 15 different specialty pies to choose from this fall season. Some of the delicious varieties include Apple Caramel, Chocolate Cream, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream and Pecan Chocolate. The traditional favorites of Apple, Pumpkin, and Pecan Pie also are available. Delightful Pastries also has an impressive selection of savory pies, as an unique side dish option this Thanksgiving. Choose from Salmon en Croute, Spinach Lamb Pie, Potato Pie, Swiss Chard Red Onion Tart or a Baked Brie. If you weren’t tempted yet, you can’t pass up Delightful’s new seasonal brownie. The Pumpkin Cayenne Brownie combines traditional fall ingredients with a surprising fiery punch. The holiday sweet pies range in price from $20 to $28, and the savory items range from $18 to $56. Thanksgiving orders will be taken up to Wednesday, November 21 by calling (312) 234-9644.

Holiday Events and Music This November at the Chicago French Market

November 1 to November 17- Pie Tasting from Delightful Pastries

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Complimentary

Taste and discover what pie you would like to serve for Thanksgiving, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. November 1-17.  Delightful Pastries will be sampling several pies including the traditional Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan to Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge and Key Lime Pie; just to name a few. Once you decide on your favorite, the friendly staff will be happy to place your order so this task can be checked off your holiday to-do list.    

November 8 & 28– Rush Hour Music with Patricia Spaeth

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Patricia Spaeth, pianist, accordionist and more, comes to Chicago via Seattle and points in-between. She plays an encyclopedic array of styles from Contra-dance to Klezmer, Finnish to French, Broadway to Swing and Tango to Ragtime.  Dance students at the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Lou Conte Studios and Northwestern University get a few non-classical surprises when Spaeth plays their class. She returns to the Chicago French Market with her signature accordion, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. November 8, playing well-known French tunes. Spaeth will be back for a lunch time special, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 28.

November 9 - Vanille Patisserie Re-Grand Opening

7 p.m. to 7:30 pm

Vanille Patisserie is celebrating its Grand Re-Opening and its One Year Anniversary in its newly decorated space at the Chicago French Market. Throughout the day, receive free coffee with a purchase; enjoy samples of your favorite items or that special treat you’ve always wanted to taste. Also, Vanille will be sampling three amazing pies for Thanksgiving; Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Apple with Coconut Streusel Topping and Pecan. Preorders are encouraged since the pies are a coveted seasonal item and are quick to sell. The 10 inch pies are $26 each or any two pies for $47. Vanille will be taking orders until Tuesday November 20. There will be games, activities and prizes to win! Don’t miss the fun!

November 10 - Vanille Patisserie Re-Grand Opening

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 p.m. to 1 pm Free Cookie Decorating and Face Painting for kids

11 a.m. Holiday Tart Demonstration

Vanille Patisserie continues the celebration of its Grand Re-Opening and its newly decorated space at the Chicago French Market. Throughout the day, receive free coffee with a purchase; enjoy samples of your favorite items or that special treat you’ve always wanted to taste. Also, Vanille will be sampling three amazing pies for Thanksgiving; Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Apple with Coconut Streusel Topping and Pecan. Preorders are encouraged since the pies are a coveted seasonal item and are quick to sell.  The 10 inch pies are $26 each or any two pies for $47.  Vanille will be taking orders until Tuesday November 20. Plus, there will be free cookie decorating and face painting for kids from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a Holiday Tart Demonstration at 11 a.m. that you won’t want to miss. There will be games, activities and prizes to win! Don’t miss the fun!

November 14 –Lunch Hour Music with Erich McMann

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Erich McMann grew up locally from a musical family. After years of traveling and performing all across the country, with several bands and projects; McMann moved back to Chicago to work full-time as a musician. He has been playing with several local bands including The Shreds of Evidence, Slow Hand, Just Enuff, The Everly Hillbillies, The Rockets and an original Folk side project with his sister and a few old High School friends called Smith & McMann. As a songwriter Erich has had his material recorded and performed by emerging country artist Brian Clayton, The R&B Brothers and The Phil Angotti Band.  Come hear this talented musician during your lunch hour, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 14.

November 15 – Beaujolais Nouveau

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

It’s time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau with a special wine tasting at the Chicago French Market.  This French tradition begins, midnight on the third Thursday in November. Beaujolais Nouveau is a young wine from the fields in France. 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, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. stroll through the market and experience 29 unique vendors’ specialties, with live music.

November 20 – Holiday Wine Tasting with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine

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

If you have been put on wine duty this holiday season you are in luck. Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine is having a special Holiday Wine Tasting, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 20. At the event you can learn about and taste wines perfect for the holiday season, leaving you with a thorough knowledge of which wines to pick up.

November 22 – Chicago French Market is Closed Thanksgiving Day

  

November 26 to December 21 – Marche de Noel

8: a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

A traditional French Christmas Market is coming back to the Chicago French Market. Marche de Noel will encompass rotating visiting artisans selling unique holiday gifts. They will display and sell their wares daily, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 22 through December 21st.

This special holiday feature provides an unique holiday atmosphere and shopping options, helping you cross everyone off your holiday list. Artists will sell jewelry, kid’s items, wall decor, photographs, toys and more gift options. The Chicago French Market vendors also will feature new holiday items, during this time.

The Marche de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Fredrick II of Saxony. The Marche de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today. The holiday market has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.