Specials and Features at Chicago French Market

The month of March at Chicago French Market is sure to please with new menu items, new vendor openings, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter features and events, and national recognition of the “very best” pastrami in all of the Illinois!

Klay Oven Kitchen will be opening in early March as the 26^th vendor at the Chicago French Market. The 170 sq. foot space will offer more than 25 varieties of fresh Indian spices from cumin, fennel, turmeric and cardamom to black salt, star anise and mustard seeds. Also, it will feature on-the-go meals for breakfast and lunch creations from Executive Chef Hiran Patel of Klay Oven. 

Klay Oven Kitchen hours will be 7:30 a.m. To 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Beginning Saturday, March 3, and every Saturday thereafter, Chef Hiran Patel will hold morning cooking classes at Klay Oven Kitchen to teach guests about Indian spices and how to incorporate in home cooking.

For more information please visit klayovenkitchen.com or the Chicago French Market’s website.

Delightful Pastries

Delightful Pastries will be adding two new bars to their menu!  Raspberry Chocolate Jam Bars and Cayenne Brownies will be available starting in March. In addition, a special Easter menu will be featured. Choose from a selection of sweet items including Lamb Cakes with buttercream or dusted with powder sugar, Bunny Rabbits, Cupcake baskets, Mocha Chocolate Bundt Cake, Rum and Raisin Yeast Babka, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake and several pie options including Rhubarb Strawberry. Or, choose from a menu of savory items including Lamb & Spinach Pie, Mushroom, Onion, Leek and Swiss cheese Quiche, Asparagus, Ham & Swiss Cheese Quiche and Salmon en Croute. All orders must be placed by April 2.

FLiP Crepes

FLiP Crepes has added to their menu and now feature a new selection of beverage and breakfast items including locally roasted coffee, chocolate shots, teas and tisanes as well as oatmeal, muesli and Kefir smoothies.  The perfect way to start the day!

Fumare Meats & Deli

Lights, camera, action!  Fumare Meats & Deli will be featured on the Food Network’s “Sandwich King” 10 am March 4.  Also, say tuned for ABC News Channel 7 “The Hungry Hound”, airing 10 pm March 9, featuring the “very best” pastrami in all of Illinois! 

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, Fumare will be serving up a special dinner plate featuring corn beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes for $8.99/plate. 

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread and Wine

Pastoral will be featuring two unique cheeses from County Cork, Ireland in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.  Ardrahan Cow’s Milk and Coolea Cow’s Milk cheeses will be offered during the month of March. 

RAW

Chicago French Market’s Raw is adding a Takeaway Program, a weekly menu designed for people on the go! The program will provide a selection of meal options to take you through your work week and beyond.  The introductory price of $130 allows you a selection of 5 breakfast and snack items, 6 entrees, 2 salads, 6 savories/spreads and 2 desserts.  All items are guaranteed to last minimum of 5 days. Place your order each week by Monday before 7:30 pm and pick-up the next afternoon.   No need to take to your kitchen after a long day.  These healthy meals are packed and ready to go!

Wisma

Wisma will be celebrating March Madness by featuring their homemade dips, schmears, crackers and chips. Also on the menu, their delicious barbeque pork!  Choose from Spinach and Mushroom Dip or Goat Cheese and Pesto Schmear for $5 or Spicy Pasilla de Oaxaia Chile Schmear for $6. Pair them with one of their many varieties of chips and crackers.Or, take home some of their slow-cooked Organic Becker Lane Barbeque Pork for $12, it goes great with Louisiana backwoods sauce!

Wisma also has added new items that will be featured on their menu:

PASTA AND NOODLES:

Artisan Penne with spicy Bolognese, mushrooms, roasted garlic, and herbs
Semolina shells, mushrooms, local chicken, brussel sprouts, light parmesan cream

SALAD:

Shredded romaine, quinoa, hazelnuts, French feta cheese, haricots vertes
Shredded vegetables: peppers, onion, cabbage, organic carrots, bean sprouts, sesame vinaigrette

ENTREES:

Braised chicken enchiladas, cilantro, onion, Chihuahua cheese, roasted tomatillo salsa
Local chicken jambalaya, smoked ham, peppers, celery, onion, jasmine rice, herbs and spices
Sustainably fished wild cod, Himalayan red rice, haricots vertes, braised celery, roasted garlic, sesame-soy sauce
Publican Quality Meats fresh pastrami, herb boiled potatoes, caramelized onions, Dijon mustard sauce

ARTISAN SANDWICHES:

Publican Quality Meats corned beef, emmantaler fresh cheese, horseradish sour cream, shredded vinegar cabbage
Artisan handmade salami, black olives, roasted tomatoes, raw onion, pesto

DESSERT:

Fresh vanilla bean custard cheesecake

The Sandwich King Returns to Chicago French Market This Saturday

Do you love sandwiches? Are you an avid viewer of the Food Network?

The Sandwich King himself, Jeff Mauro

Then chances are you’re a fan of the Sandwich King, Chicago native Jeff Mauro. A few weeks ago, he visited the Chicago French Market to start filming for the second season of his Food Network show. This Saturday, January 7, he is coming back to film starting at 11 a.m. We encourage his fans and Chicago French Market devotees to stop on by.

With delicious sandwich offerings like Fumare’s incredible pastrami (don't forget that Hot Pastrami Day is January 14)) and the variety of options at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine, we know he’ll have plenty to talk about.

Fumare's incredible pastrami sandwich

Chicago French Market is a hot spot for lunch. Stop by this Saturday afternoon to get a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the show and to enjoy some of the excellent sandwiches their vendors have to offer! When you see the Sandwich King in action, we’re sure you’ll be as big of a fan of his and the French Market as we are.

Pastoral's Chef's Choice Sandwich Tray

Food Network's Sandwich King visits the French Market

Did you know that one of the Food Network’s newest stars is from right here in Chicago?

Jeff Mauro, also known as the Sandwich King, stopped by his hometown and the Chicago French Market to film for the second season of his show. Kurman staff was lucky enough to be able to be in on some of the taping.

Mauro and his crew stopped by Freitkoten for Belgian fries and beer, City Fresh Market to take in some great sandwich ingredients and Saigon Sisters for their twist on the hot dog. And this isn’t even the main event! The crew is stopping by again in the next month to film some of the French Market’s greatest sandwich offerings to feature on the show.

The Kurman staff attending the shoot had a great time, and we can’t wait to see the Sandwich King and crew back at the French Market!

Karen Woods and Cindy Kurman with the Sandwich King himself, Jeff Mauro

If you’re looking for a great sandwich at the Market to tide you over until this episode of Sandwich King airs, check out the amazing pastrami sandwich from Fumare!

Fumare's incredible pastrami sandwich

This sandwich has gotten great reviews recently from TimeOut Chicago, Serious Eats and food personality Steve Dolinsky.

But make sure to stop by early…these sandwiches don’t last all day!

Fall Chicago French Market News

A round up of fall food and entertainment events at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-575-0306)

Cooking Channel Ice Cream Truck Sept. 25—Free Scoops!
The newly-launched Cooking Channel has created a one-of-a-kind ice cream truck to satisfy fans’ cravings for this year’s most delicious ice cream flavors. Join Food Network star and host of “Kelsey’s Essentials” on the Cooking Channel Kelsey Nixon from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 25, the Cooking Channel Ice Cream Truck visits Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-575-0306), the hub for the West Loop/Fulton River District Community. Cooking Channel ambassadors will give away Cooking Channel apparel and scoops of Capannari Ice Cream, including Mint Mousse, 10 Year Aged Madagascar Vanilla, Black Licorice and more.

“After Cooking Channel’s successful launch, we wanted to celebrate with fans across the country with ice cream, a summertime favorite,” says Susie Fogelson, SVP Marketing, Creative Services & Brand Strategy at Food Network and Cooking Channel. “Along the way, in the spirit of what Cooking Channel is all about, we are partnering with local ice cream shops to give them the recognition they deserve within their communities. Visitors can also indulge in finding out more of what Cooking Channel is all about from some of the stars themselves. The idea is to engage and have fun with food people from the chefs to the enthusiastic eaters to the bloggers town by town.” “Chicago French Market proudly welcomes the Cooking Channel Ice Cream Truck to the center of the West Loop/Fulton River District as we say farewell to summer and kick-off fall with these cool treats,” says Leslie Cahill, Chicago French Market manager. “We invite our neighborhood friends and family to visit the truck and share their cooking and food stories with one another.”

About Cooking Channel
Check out http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/, Cooking Channel ‘s Facebook page and Twitter.com/CookingChannel to see the most up to date tour schedule, tune in information for the hottest shows, and information on the coolest chefs.

Cooking Channel (http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today’s passionate food lover. For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to’s. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/), HGTV (http://www.hgtv.com/), DIY Network (http://www.diynetwork.com/) and Great American Country (http://www.gactv.com/), is the manager and general partner.

Upcoming Events at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Formaggi and Miele Sept. 27
Visit Pastoral from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 for a sampling of different products. Taste Italian honey and a variety of cheeses at no cost. Take a look at the breads and wines that Pastoral also offers.

Taste of Italy Oct. 1
Come to Pastoral from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1 to taste wines and cheeses. Receive an assorted Italian cheese plate as well as small portions of four Italian wines: Bele Casel Prosecco, Inama Soave, La Corte Solyss Negroamaro and Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo. Reserve tickets in advance. Sampling costs $15. The tasting begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until the final drop of wine is poured. The event takes place in the public seating area of Chicago French Market. Event registration includes a 15 percent in-store discount the evening of the event.

Owned by partners Greg O’Neill and Ken Miller, Pastoral was named as 1 of 6 Outstanding Specialty Food Retailers by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) in 2007. The company prides itself on offering the highest quality of European-inspired fine and artisan cheeses from around the world, small production wines and freshly baked breads.

Apple Tasting with the Good Food Project Oct. 2
Join Chicago French Market as it welcomes the Good Food Project from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. With help from Susan Taylor, a Chicago Tribune food critic, children will learn how to taste like a pro. Each child will be among the first in Chicago to taste the new SweeTango apple along with three other varieties of apples. Upon selecting their favorite apple, the children make an apple slinky to bring home to show friends and family. $5 donation to the Good Food Project per child ages 5-10 (includes one guardian) and tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Good Food Project’s mission is to introduce different flavors of produce to children in order to develop a lifelong love of good food and healthy living. Visit http://www.thegoodfoodproject.org/ for more information.

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting and Belgium Fries at Frietkoten Oct. 7
Quench thirst at Frietkoten’s Oktoberfest Beer Tasting at Chicago French Market from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. Taste samples of six seasonal beers, from Pilsner to Bock, and munch on a cone of Belgium fries for $15. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event.

Owned by Netherlands-native, Jeroen Hasenbos, Frietkoten, meaning ‘fry shack’, serves hand cut Belgian fries complemented by a variety of both tap and bottled Belgian beers. Three organic style brews are also on the menu. The Divine Art of Chocolate with Canady Le Chocolatier Oct. 15
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Swiss-trained master chocolatier and owner of Canady Le Chocolatier located in Chicago French Market, Michael Canady, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. Come listen to a presentation from Canady about his background and the art of making chocolate. Attendees will receive a gift of hand-crafted chocolate. The event costs $15. RSVP by calling (312) 212-1270. Walk-ins are accepted the evening of the event.

Studying chocolate in Switzerland and beginning Canady Le Chocolatier out of his former home in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Canady is well-known across the globe for his treats. Canady Le Chocolatier offers a wide variety of homemade, artisan chocolates including: bon bons, truffles, nougat, ganache and dipped fruit slices.

Bánh Mi, Beer and Blues at Saigon Sisters Oct. 21
Saigon Sisters, owned by sisters, Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen, hosts a Bánh Mi Vietnamese sandwich sampling and beer event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21. Choose samples of four different Bánh Mi Vietnamese sandwiches at Saigon Sisters, wash them down with one domestic draft or non-alcoholic beverage of choice, and enjoy live music. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased the day of the event at Saigon Sisters.

The concept for Saigon Sisters was inspired by the family business, run by the sisters’ grandmother and mother, in a Vietnamese market similar to Chicago French Market, which sold produce, rice, seafood, and prepared food. The two sisters moved to a more modern environment in Chicago but still maintain the same principles of offering fresh and healthy Vietnamese food.

Trick-or-Treat at Chicago French Market Oct. 30
Celebrate Halloween by bringing the kids out to Chicago French Market Saturday, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 for Trick-or-Treating. Each individual vendor is distributing candy and other treats to the children throughout the day. Enjoy a fun-filled, all day event at Chicago French Market with spooky decorations for Halloween. Also take a peek at the wide array of foods that Chicago French Market has to offer.

For a full list of upcoming events at Chicago French Market, press here.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Online Auction presented by The Brandman Agency Now OPEN

Ever imagined a dream vacation sailing the Caribbean or attending the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen? Now you have the opportunity! The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Online Auction presented by The Brandman Agency opens today and remains open until March 8. All proceeds benefit Florida International University’s School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and its Southern Wine and Spirits Beverage Management Center.

The auction catalogue is featured online with every item listed, plus new items added daily. Prominent items include:

• A four day stay in southern Provence at the Chateau d’Esclans valued at $4,000.
• Champagne by Louis Roederer: Cristal Rose 2002 valued at $12,000.
• Private cooking class and gourmet lunch in the Food Network Kitchens.

Visit this link for more information.