Join the River North Business Association's Holiday Soiree Wednesday December 7 at TZAR Ultra Lounge

 

Looking for a party to entertain your colleagues and friends this holiday season? The River North Business Association has the solution. The organization will host an evening of  merriment and you're invited.

“Holiday Soiree” is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, at TZAR Ultra Lounge 215 W. Ontario and offers the perfect opportunity to entertain your associates and friends.

Food stations, hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided by Kinzie Chophouse and Crumbs Bakery. Beverages are included with event tickets, and will feature wine, vodka cocktails and beer. Other drinks will be available at a cash bar.
       
There are always great prizes in the door prize drawing and this year is no exception.  You could win hotel stays, cooking classes, fun adventures, gift baskets and restaurant gift certificates.  Purchase a ticket for the drawing and choose which prize you would like to win. Or receive a free ticket in exchange for a donation for the Anti Cruelty Society - bring a “Kong” dog toy, a hard plastic cat toy, pet grooming tools or towels (new or used) to get a free door prize ticket.
    TZAR is one of the most popular new places in River North and very difficult to get in most nights. Here's your chance to tell your friends you have been there! Special discounts will apply after the Holiday Soiree officially ends at 9 p.m. so plan to stay until TZAR closes. 


Tickets are $50 with group discounts available for a minimum of three participants.  The public is invited to attend.  Additional information is available at www.rivernorthassociation.com or by calling Sarah Anderson at  at (312) 645-1047. 

Girls Night Out Tonight at Francesca's Tavola

Is just thinking about the holidays enough to exhaust you? Are you ready to recharge before the season hits in full swing?
 
 The perfect way to prevent holiday burn-out is a Girls Night Out, and Francesca’s Tavola is throwing the perfect one.

Tonight (Monday, November 21) from 6-9 p.m., Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) is ready for you and your girls to pamper yourselves.

 There will be a number of vendors ready for you to shop for some of your favorite things: candles from Gold Canyon Candles, tickets to a show at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, lingerie and adult gifts with Surprise Parties, jewelry from Stella and Dot, holiday gift baskets and treats from Annabella Boutique, juices from Mona Vie, Tupperware and purses and wallets from Gigi Hill. These fabulous vendors will also have prizes to raffle off the night of the event.

The fun doesn’t just stop with shopping! You can also have a complimentary makeup application, get feather hair extensions from Don Stella Salon, have your eyebrows threaded, have a manicure from House of Blond Salon and much more! Admission is free and complimentary appetizers and goodie bags will also be included. Francesca’s Tavola will have $3 specialty martinis available and bottles of wine will be half off all evening, so you won’t be breaking the bank to have a great time.

Gather your girlfriends and take a night for yourselves before you all get too busy to enjoy each other. No reservations are necessary. Just show up ready to have a good time!

For more information on Girls Night Out at Francesca’s Tavola, call 847-394-3950 and ask for Carissa or Julie or email carissa@miafrancesca.com.

Bistro One West November Round-Up

Don't miss any of the exciting things going on at Bistro One West this month!

Music Schedule

Zvonimer Tot plays at Bistro One West November 10.

Thursday nights are Jazz Nights at Bistro One West! Guitarist Zvonimer Tot will be at the restaurant November 10, while Spiral Trio (with Mike Jeffers on Drums and Mike Frost on Sax) will be at Bistro One West November 17. Saturday Nights also showcase musical treats. Stop by November 12 or 26 as Avalanche performs some of your favorite classic rock covers, or November 19 as Scrambled provides great entertainment.

Don't miss out on Prime Rib Wednesday at Bistro One West!

Prime Rib Wednesday

Every Wednesday is Prime Rib Wednesday at Bistro One West. For just $18, you can get a 12-ounce prime rib with mashed potatoes and a house salad. Stop in for a mid-week treat!

Drink Specials

Don’t miss our great drink specials! Every Tuesday, your first bottle of wine is half-priced. Wednesdays, all drafts are half-priced, and all specialty drinks are half-priced on Thursdays. Select beers are also $2 on Fridays.


Holiday Parties at Bistro One WestIt's not to early to think about having your holiday party and Bistro One West! The first four days of December are already filled with holiday celebrations, so make your reservations soon. And for a special treat, if your party spends over $500, you'll get a $50 gift card to spend on your next personal visit to the restaurant!

Don’t Miss Anything from Bistro One West!

Make sure to follow Bistro One West on Twitter and Like the Facebook page so you don’t miss out on the great deals and other events going on at Bistro One West!


Bistro One West is located at 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles, IL. Call 630-444-0600 to make a reservation or visit their website here.

Final Weeks to Enjoy Fleming’s Memorable Meal for Two

$99* per couple for 3-course menu featuring Beef Flemington & Shrimp Scampi
Available through November 15th

Fleming's Beef Flemington & Shrimp Scampi

Two Chicago-area Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar locations (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago; 312/329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, Ill.; 847/793-0333) are offering a terrific 3-course dinner for two that’s not listed on their regular menu and is available when you make your reservation for any date through November 15. If you make a reservation by phone, please mention "Memorable Meal" when you call. It’s a great deal at $99 per couple. To reserve online, go here.


APPETIZER Spinach Salad
warm maple-cured bacon dressing, red onion julienne, gala apples and goat cheese crumbles


ENTRÉE Beef Flemington & Shrimp Scampi
filet mignon baked in a light pastry crust with mushroom duxelle, served with sautéed jumbo shrimp, oven roasted tomatoes and lemon garlic butter
(Each guest will receive this entrée)


SIDE Roasted Vegetable Trio
baby carrots, broccoli and curried cauliflower lightly tossed in a kalamata olive vinaigrette


DESSERT White Chocolate Bread Pudding
with bourbon crème anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream

Kurman Clients November Wine & Beer Dinners Round-Up

Kurman clients are presenting a variety of exciting Wine and Beer Dinners this November! Whether you prefer a delicious Cabernet, local craft beers, or the opportunity to taste wines from some the best American vineyards, there is an event available for every palate in November.

“Cabernet is King” Wine Dinners

November 9, 6:30 p.m. - La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706)

November 11, 7:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600) 

November 15, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Famiglia (100 E. Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

November 16, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s By the River (200 South 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174; 630-587-8221)

The five-course meal will be expertly prepared by Francesca’s chefs and is paired exquisitely with six select wines. The dinner is $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The “Cabernet is King” Dinner begins with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with a refreshing 2010 Hall Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. This is followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over creamy white Polenta, which complements 2008 Stags Leap Hands of Time, Stags Leap AVA. The third course is Handmade Veal Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano reggiano. This is paired with 2008 Antinori Antica, Atlas Peak AVA. The fourth course features Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction, which is a delicious pair for both 2007 Minor, Stagecoach Vineyard and 2008 Chappelett Signature, Oakville, Pritchard Hill. Dessert will be an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles, pairing perfectly with a 2008 Viader “Dare,” Napa Valley.

Lisa Mango, Francesca’s Sommelier, will be in attendance at Francesca’s Vicinato November 11 to speak about the wine selection and how they pair with Francesca’s menu.

MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner

November 11, 6:30 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Ill.; 312/329-9463)

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Chicago is hosting a wine dinner featuring wines from MacMurray Ranch with Kate MacMurray, vineyard owner, 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 11. MacMurray will share her passion for winemaking and the tradition of excellence her family’s vineyard is known for among Fleming’s diners.

Fleming’s Chicago chef partner Jerl Griffin has worked with MacMurray to create the perfect food and wine pairings for this meal. The first course features Shrimp Skewers and Fennel with an Orange & Avocado Salad, accompanied by MacMurray Ranch’s Silverado “Miller Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa, 2009. This is followed by a chilled Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup finished with White Truffle Oil and the Silverado Estate Chardonnay, Napa County, 2009. The main course is Roasted Châteaubriand with Black Truffle Butter, Mashed Green Market Potatoes and Madeira Sauce,that is exquisitely paired with Silverado Estate Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006, from MacMurray Ranch. Dessert is a delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake with Candied Walnuts and Chantilly Cream, served with Silverado Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley, 2007.

The dinner is $99, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations for the MacMurray Ranch Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (312) 329-9463.

Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner

November 11, 7 p.m. – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL; (847) 793-0333)

Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse & Wine Bar in Lincolnshire is hosting a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner with A.J. Freeman from Duckhorn Vineyards, 7 p.m., Friday, November 11. The fine selection of Napa Valley wines pair elegantly with Fleming’s food selections.

Fleming’s chef partner Roger Abuan and Freeman have worked together to showcase the best of food and wine for the dinner. The adventure starts with Seared Scallops with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette over micro greens paired with Migration by Duckhorn’s Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2009. This is followed by a Tuna Carpaccio with crispy capers, red onions and baby greens drizzled with Dijon vinaigrette with Migration by Duckhorn’s Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, 2008. The third course is Ginger Glazed Duck Breast with sweet potato stuffed herb crepe served with Duckhorn’s Merlot Napa Valley, 2008. The final course is a six ounce New York Strip with a shallot, red wine and port reduction, topped with truffle butter and accompanied by roasted seasonal vegetables with a Cabernet Napa Valley, 2009, followed by a dessert of assorted truffles and coffee. 

The all-inclusive dinner is $100 and includes paired wines with four delicious courses and dessert. Reservations for the Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner at Fleming’s are required and may be made by calling (847) 793-0333.

Gauthier and Bouchaine Vineyards Wine Dinner 

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660; 773-506-9261)

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr is hosting a Wine Dinner featuring Greg Gauthier of Gauthier Cellars and Bouchaine Vineyards. The five-course meal features some of Gauthier’s favorite wines paired with classics from the Francesca’s menu. The dinner is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Gauthier will be on-site discussing the wines paired with the menu and speaking about his wineries. Reservations are required.

The meal will begin with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. This will be followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over white creamy Polenta with an exquisite Chardonnay. The third course will feature Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal jus and parmesan. This makes an excellent pair for one of Gauthier’s favorite Pinot Noir blends. The fourth course will feature Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction with a different Pinot Noir blend. Dessert will feature an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with Bouchon D'or.

Goose Island Beer Dinner

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600)

Francesca’s Vicinato will also host the Goose Island Beer Dinner, featuring some of Goose Island’s best beers. The five-course dinner is $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Vicinato Goose Island Beer Dinner begins with Assorted Crostini’s, paired with Goose Island’s 312, followed by a salad of Boston Bib Lettuce with Raspberry Vinaigrette, crumbled gorgonzola and caramelized walnuts. The salad is paired with Fleur, a rose-colored Belgian style pale ale. The third course is Francesca’s Homemade Butternut Squash Cappellacci with fresh sage and brown butter veal au jus, topped with shaved parmesan, which is superbly paired with Goose Island’s Christmas Ale, a special-edition brown ale that differs slightly each year. The fourth course will feature Goose Island’s Harvest Ale with Braised Veal Shank with natural au jus over saffron risotto and fall vegetables. Dessert is Triple Chocolate Cake, which makes the perfect partner for Bourbon Country Coffee Cake Ale, made with local Intelligentsia coffee.

 

Francesca’s on 95^th Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s on 95^th (6248 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007)

Francesca’s on 95^th will present a wine dinner with an assortment of delicious wines and selections from Francesca’s menu. Tickets are $40 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required for this five-course meal. The meal will start with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, crème fresh, arugula and apricots paired with NV La Marca Prosecco. This is followed by Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with roasted asparagus and citrus buerre blanc and a 2010 Michele Chiarlo Gavi. The third course will be Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano, which is a great partner for a 2009 Vicchiomaggio “San Jacopo” Chianti Classico. Veal Stew with mushrooms and cipollini onions, served on a creamy polenta is the fourth course. It will be served with 2008 Tor Calvano Vino Nobile. This is followed by a dessert of an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with a 2009 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palm Bay Wine Dinner

November 17, 7 p.m. - Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)

Francesca’s Amici will present a wine dinner featuring Palm Bay Wines. Tickets are $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The meal begins with Baby Spinach tossed in orange vinaigrette with teardrop tomatoes, fennel, grapefruit and lobster paired with Palm Bay’s 2010 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio, Trentino. This is followed by an Assortment of Meats, Cheeses and Fresh Seasonal Fruit, which is the perfect pairing for 2010 Planet La Segreta Bianco, Sicily. The third course will be Homemade Pumpkin and Ricotta-Filled Pasta with crispy pancetta, savoy cabbage and fresh tomatoes in a brown butter-sage sauce topped with shaved parmesan cheese. The 2008 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany is an excellent complement to the pasta. The fourth course will be Veal Shank braised with carrots, celery and onion served with saffron risotto paired with 2007 Col D’Orcia Rosso di Montelcino, Tuscany. Dessert will feature Chocolate-Espresso Semi-Frozen Mousse with Ferrari Brut Rose, Trentino.

Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner 

November 22, 7 p.m., Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063)

Francesca’s Fiore will host a Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner celebrating the wines of Croatia. This dinner will be $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Dalmatian Coast Wine Dinner will start with Poached Wild Salmon finished in a Dill Cream Sauce paired with Matosevic “Alba” Malvazia, Croatia 2009. The second course will be Polenta Crusted Sea Scallops in lemon balsamic buerre blanc, which is a great pair for St. Hills “Nevina” Chardonnay/Malvazia, Croatia 2009. This is followed by Pork Ragout served over homemade pappardelle with Shaved parmigiano paired with Bibich “R6” Riserva, Croatia 2008. The fourth course will be Braised Petite Lamb Shank in Plavac reduction sauce, which is a delightful companion for Korta Katarina, Plavac (Zinfandel), Croatia 2006. Dessert will be Molten Lava Cake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce with Milat, Porto-Zin, Napa 2007.

November 14 Prairie Fire Dinner with Holistic Nutrition Consultant Carol Wagner

Worried about the upcoming holidays ruining your healthy eating plans? Worry no more! Prairie Fire Restaurant’s Chef Sarah Stegner and Holisitic Nutrition Consultant Carol Wagner are here to make your holidays free of nutritional worries.

6:30 p.m. Monday, November 14, the two are pairing up to host a dinner at Prairie Fire Restaurant that features healthy holiday dishes. It will leave you mentally prepared for holiday festivities, whether you’re a guest or a host.

Sarah Stegner

Sarah and Carol make the perfect team to speak about nutritious and tasty holiday eating. As the co-chef of Prairie Fire Restaurant and a two-time James Beard award winner, Sarah Stegner has extensive experience making healthy and delicious meals. Carol Wagner is committed to spreading the word about healthy eating. She is a 2011 recipient of a “Good Eating Award” Sponsored by the Chicago Tribune and has extensive training in psychology and holistic nutrition.

The pair will share easy and appetizing healthy substitutions for many of your favorite dishes, as well as several of their favorite holiday recipes.  Additionally, as part of their commitment to healthy living, they will share tips to mentally prepare you for eating healthy during the holidays and beyond. Sarah and Carol are experts in making healthy eating uncomplicated and showing how it can improve your quality of life.

The menu will feature Citrus Marinated Beets with Capriole Farm Goat Cheese, Toasted Hazelnuts and "Three Sisters Garden" Pea Shoots along with Chicken Roulade with Sautéed Greens, Warm Root Vegetable, Toasted Whole Wheat Baguette Croutons and Ripe Pear Tossed in Sherry Vinaigrette and dessert.

Monday’s event is $38 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required by Thursday, November 10 and can be made by calling 312-382-8300.

Pop-Up Operas and the French Market

Opera is popping up everywhere!

In celebration of National Opera Week in Chicago (October 28-November 6), Chicago Opera Theatre is hosting several “pop-up” operas throughout the city, including at the Chicago French Market, Macy’s on State Street, the Art Institute of Chicago and at CTA stations. A “pop-up” is the opera’s version of a flash mob: free, short performances of opera classics in a public location.

Today, November 2, The Chicago French Market is the site of the pop-up opera at 12:30. Stop by for a mid-day treat of great food and great opera!

This is from one of last year's pop-up operas...look out for them!

Future performances are a well-kept secret, so make sure to follow @ChicagoOpera on Twitter for information about up-coming pop-ups. If you are lucky enough to see a performance, make sure to include #popupopera in your tweet to be entered in a contest for the Chicago Opera Theatre!

November at the Chicago French Market

Celebrate Marché de Noël at the Chicago French Market

Christmas markets in France otherwise known as Marché de Noël, provide a great opportunity for a winter break. They exude a fantastic atmosphere and offer great shopping opportunities not to mention replenishing wine stocks for the Christmas season.

You won't have to travel to France to experience an authentic French Marché de Noël this holiday season. Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton, is hosting a two-month-long Marché de Noël starting Nov. 7 and running through December 31. Rotating visiting artisan's selling unique gift items will display and sell wares under the Eiffel Tower in the market daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 The Marché de Noël at the Chicago French Market also offers you the opportunity to do all of your holiday shopping in one location. Artists will sell jewelry, kids' items, wall décor, photographs, toys and many more of your favorite items. A variety of new items will be featured at the Chicago French Market during this time. 

  

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

 November 2011 Events

 November 3, 2011 - Avoid traffic with some live music
Avoid the rush-hour commute and listen to the eclectic sound of musicians Robin and Jenny Biennemann from 4 to 7 p.m. This talented married couple combines startling musicianship and original songs to create a rich musical combination of quirkiness and pensiveness. In performance they alternate between Jenny's well-crafted songs and Robin's dry humor mixed with his jazzy guitar. This pair will surely keep you entertained as you relax after a long work day.   

  November 5, 2011 - Learn the art of the French Crêpe
Interested in learning the art of the French Crêpe? Join the Flip Crêpes team as they teach the art of the French crêpe during the Sweet and Savory Couples Crêpe Class at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Flip Crêpes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312-504-2541). This is a couple's class so find a partner who wants to enjoy the delight of savory crêpes. Tickets are $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets online at www.flipcrepes.com.

 November 7, 2011 - Prepare vegan recipes at Raw.
Join the well-known Chef Carole Jones at Raw (131 North Clinton Street Chicago; 312-831-2729) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as she teaches how to prepare amazing foods including Raw's own recipes: Energy Soup, Fresh Spinach Lasagna and Honey Fig and Pecan Pie. The event is part of the Vegan Food Prep Class Series. Purchase your tickets online for $50 at www.chicagorawfood.com 

November 8, 2011 - Make Music Chicago Fundraiser

 

November 9, 2011 - Enjoy music over your lunch hour
  Grab lunch at the Chicago French Market and enjoy the sound of music prodigy Gabrielle Browdy. Browdy, just 13-years old, will sing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whether Gabrielle is singing a jazz ballad or a modern day hip-hop pop tune, her approach is the same: musicianship is her top priority.

November 12, 2011 - Learn the art of the French Crêpe
Interested in learning the art of the French Crêpe? Join the Flip Crêpes team as they teach the art of the French crêpe during the Sweet and Savory Couples Crêpe Class at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at Flip Crêpes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312-504-2541). This is a couple's class so find a partner who wants to enjoy the delight of savory crêpes. Tickets cost $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets on-line www.flipcrepes.com.

November 17, 2011 - Enjoy Rush Hour Music at Chicago French Market
Enjoy a special appearance of an amazing French Jazz Trio; FLON FLON ET MUSETTE. Marion Perrier (Accordion), Jerome Lacena (Percussion) and David Nabwangu (Bass) - who originally come from Paris, France and Montreal, Canada, will delight.

November 17, 2011 - Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau at the Chicago French Market
It's time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau at the Chicago French Market! The French holiday begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November. You are invited to taste the young wine from the fields in France: Beaujolais Nouveau. 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, stroll your way through the market, as many vendors will be giving tastings of their specialties.  And enjoy the unique sounds of Flon Flon et Musette. 

November 19, 2011 - Learn the art of the French Crêpe
Interested in learning the art of the French Crêpe? Join the Flip Crêpes team as they teach the art of the French Crêpe during the Sweet and Savory Couples Crêpe Class at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Flip Crêpes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312-504-2541). This is a couple's class so find a partner who wants to enjoy the delight of savory crêpes. Tickets are $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets online at www.flipcrepes.com.

November 19, 2011 - Delightful Pastries and Pie-Making Class
Just in time for Thanksgiving, learn how to properly crimp your own pie crust and make the fillings for two different pies: Pecan Pie and Apple Crumble Pie. Each participant will go home with two mini pies.  To register for the class: info@delightfulpastries.com

 November 23, 2011 - Rush Hour Music
Avoid the rush-hour commute and listen to the eclectic sound of musicians Robin and Jenny Biennemann from 4 to 7 p.m. This talented married couple combines startling musicianship and original songs to create a rich musical combination of quirkiness and pensiveness. In performance they alternate between Jenny's beautifully crafted songs and Robin's dry humor mixed with his jazzy guitar. This pair will surely keep you on your toes as you relax after a long work day.  

 November 24, 2011 -Happy Thanksgiving!
The French Market will be closed, reopening Friday, Nov. 25.

November 26, 2011 - Learn the art of the French Crêpe
Interested in learning the art of the French Crêpe? Join the Flip Crêpes team as they teach the art of the French Crêpe during the Sweet and Savory Couples Crêpe Class at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at Flip Crêpes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, 312-504-2541). This is a couple's class so find a partner who wants to enjoy the delight of savory crêpes. Tickets cost $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets online at www.flipcrepes.com.

November 26, 2011 - Enjoy a discount in time for the holidays
Sweet Miss Givings will be kicking off the holiday gifting season by offering a 10% discount with the purchase of both the "Recipe-in-a-Jar" (cookie mix) and the "Hot Cocoa-in-a-Jar" through December 3.  The "Recipe-in-a Jar" is normally $15 and "Hot Cocoa-in-a-jar" is normally $10. Together they will be only $22.50. Cupcakes and brownies, normally $3.50, wil be $3.15.

What's new in November?

Here's a breakdown of what's coming to Chicago French Market this November!

City Fresh Market
Pre-order your all natural Fresh Turkeys for Thanksgiving. City Fresh Market will carry turkeys that are 10-12 pounds and 12-14 pounds ($2.49/lb.)     

 Delightful Pastries
What's Thanksgiving without the pie? Just a turkey dinner! One of Delightful Pastries specialties is their pies. Choose from Apple, Apple Caramel, Apple Cranberry, Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, Key Lime, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream, Pecan, Pecan Mocha and traditional Pumpkin Pies. If sweet pies are not your thing, consider a savory pie as an appetizer or as a side dish for the dinner: Salmon en Croute, Spinach Lamb Pie, Potato Pie, Swiss Chard Red Onion Tart and Baked Brie.  

  Lavazza Espression
Lavazza Espression has a number of specialty drinks just in time for fall. Sample from these drinks and check out the holiday specials going on in November at Lavazza:

 

 Pumpkin Butter Latte: $3.45
A comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk, and smooth espresso delivers the perfect flavor. Wrap your scarves around your neck and your hands around this seasonal specialty.

Caramel Apple Cider - Tall: $3.10, Grande $3.65, Grandissimo $3.90
Fresh apple cider infused with caramel and steamed to perfection, crowned with whipped cream and a light caramel drizzle.

Pumpkin Choco Èspessone™:  Small $2.95, Large $3.75
The delicacy of Èspessone™, a light pumpkin mousse, is complimented by the intensity of hot Italian drinking chocolate

 Cardamom Truffle Mousse: $3.99
An artisan crafted Cardamom Mousse atop a light flourless chocolate base.

Pumpkin Chiffon Mousse: $3.99
An artisan crafted Pumpkin Mousse atop a gingersnap cookie based, crowned with crystallized ginger.

Food Holiday Specials 

National Cappuccino Day: Cappugiro™: $3.59
Discover the unusual with our signature Cappugiro™, an inverted cappuccino available in orange, hazelnut, chocolate, or amaretto

National Apple Cider Day
Caramel Apple Cider - Tall: $3.10, Grande $3.65, Grandissimo $3.90
Fresh apple cider infused with caramel and steamed to perfection, crowned with whipped cream and a light caramel drizzle

National Espresso Day
Èspesso™: $2.00-$3.00
Discover a new way to enjoy your coffee. Try a past pick among TIME magazine's best inventions, the first coffee that you can eat, created by renowned international chef Ferran Adrià. Èspesso™ is a new dimension of taste: the traditional coffee aroma with a unique solid consistency. Also available in Èspesso™  Macchiato and Èspesso™ Cappuccino versions

Abbey Brown Soap Artisan
Abbey Brown Soap Artisan has a new soap hot off the cutter for November. It's a wonderful round soap with pumpkin puree and seasonal spices, rich in flavor!

 Les Fleurs
Order your Thanksgiving centerpieces or, if you are the lucky guest, don't forget to bring flowers to the perfect hostess.  Les Fleurs will be stocked with the finest fall flowers.  Centerpieces can also be enhanced by seasonal fruit and vegetables. All arrangements and flowers come in an array of prices. We work with your budget! Place orders by calling 312-463-1111.  

 Presto Café and Grill
Presto Café and Grill has added to their delicious Mediterranean menu: Schnitzel Sandwich $6.99/each, Schnitzel Plate, Grilled Seasoned Chicken with Rice and Salad ($6.99/plate), Chicken Vegetable Soup with Mini Croutons ($5.69/16 oz.), French Onion and Spice Hummus Soups ($3.95/16 oz.), Homemade Potato Burekas ($1.99), Homemade Halva Cookies ($3) and Homemade Fruit Strudel ($4). 

 Saigon Sisters
During the month of November Saigon Sisters will be featuring special Turkey Banh Mi ($8 each).  To celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, November 17, Saigon Sisters will offer a Vietnamese Beef Bourguignon on French bread for $9.

Provo's Village Bake Shoppe
Don't forget to place your Thanksgiving Pie Order. Provo's Village Bake Shoppe specializes in Old Fashion European baked goods. Choose from Pumpkin, Apple and Apple Caramel Pies ($5 for 6" pies and $8 for 8" pies. Pecan Pie is $6 for 6" pies and $10 for 8"pies. To place your holiday orders please call 312-207-1261.

Superior Nut and Candy
What's a holiday without local freshly roasted nuts? Choose from Select Mix Salted Nuts (no peanuts; $6.99/lb.), Raw Walnuts or Salted Whole Almonds ($4.99/lb.), Salted or Unsalted Cashews ($7.99/lb.) or for that perfect pecan pie, Raw Whole and Half Pecans ($10.99/lb.).  What about the cranberries for your stuffing or side dishes? Dried Cranberries are $8.99/lb.