Great foodie weekend in Chicago @ Green City Market, Chicago French Market & in River North

Tomorrow (Saturday, July 16) will be a great day in Chicago if you’re a foodie. Start off the day at 9:30 a.m. with a personal tour of Green City Market by founding member Chef Sarah Stegner, an owner of Prairie Fire (215 N. Clinton) and Prairie Grass Café (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook). You’ll meet the farmers and hear first hand about seasonal produce and how to use it. The tour is followed by a fabulous brunch at Prairie Fire where you’ll enjoy Mint Creek Farm Lamb, Genesis Growers Eggs & Greens, and Three Sister’s Garden Polenta, served family style with French Toast from Crumb with Tim Burton’s Maple Syrup and fresh seasonal fruit topping. The cost is $18.50 per person, including the tour. Guests are asked to make advance reservations by calling 312-382-8300. Sarah will meet you at the Green City Market information desk promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Cooking Channel Ice Cream Truck Tour Comes to Chicago French Market
Following lunch, head-on over to the Chicago French Market to celebrate the Cooking Channel's first birthday. Kelsey Nixon, host of "Kelsey's Essentials," will be at the local stop on Saturday handing out free goodies from the Lavazza at French Market (131 N. Clinton, Chicago). She and the truck will be there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lavazza will be offering two specialties:

Affogato al caffé A typical Italian treat: espresso poured over vanilla gelato. The hot espresso and cold ice cream combine perfectly changing textures and temperature.
Cremespresso® Refreshing chilled and creamy espresso sorbet. Cremespresso® combines the aroma of Lavazza espresso with milk and cream, in a cool and creamy specialty that soothes the palate


After you’ve had your fill from Lavazza courtesy of the Cooking Channel, top off your afternoon and evening at Taste of River North (running July 15-17) presented by East Bank Club and hosted by the River North Residents' Association.  Located in and around Montgomery Ward Park, this 10th annual event features food by many River North area restaurants, live music, and it showcases best of everything the River North neighborhood has to offer!  The recommended donation for admission is $5. All food and beverages must be purchased for tickets, not cash.  Tickets are just $1.00 each, and will be sold in strips of 5 for $5.00 or 10 for $10.00 only. Tickets may be purchased at booths located near each gate.  Tickets may also be purchased at the wine concession on the river walk. Event hours are 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday July 15; noon to 10 pm on Saturday July 16, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday July 17.