Chicago French Market December News & Events
Marché de Noël
The
Marché de Noël is a holiday feature of the Chicago French Market! 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. through December 24.
Modeled
after French Christmas markets, Marché de Noël provides a fantastic atmosphere
and unique shopping options, not to mention the opportunity to replenish wine
stocks for the Christmas season.
The
Marché de Noël at the Chicago French Market also offers shoppers the
opportunity to do all their holiday shopping in one location. Artists will sell
jewelry, kids’ items, wall décor, photographs, toys and many more gift options.
A variety of new items will be featured at the Chicago French Market during
this time as well.
The
Marché de Noël is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the
reign of Frederick II of Saxony. The Marché de Noël 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.
Vanille Patisserie Acquired by
Investor Group
CHICAGO—Vanille Patisserie, one of
Chicagoland’s finest French gourmet pastry wholesalers and retailers, has been
acquired by an investor group headed by Sophie Evanoff.
Ms.
Evanoff, a graduate of Chicago’s internationally-renowned French Pastry School,
and the University of Michigan, has worked in operations, production and
marketing managerial capacities with several area gourmet confection and pastry
companies.
“The
specialized gourmet pastry market has remained strong and viable despite the
economic downtown in the Chicagoland area,” Ms. Evanoff said. “Consumers have always enjoyed the experience
of a gourmet treat, whether at their favorite restaurant, from a specialized
shop or at home,” she noted.
Vanille Patisserie provides luxury desserts to a number of Chicago’s finer restaurants
and hotels. In addition, it has retail
outlets in Lincoln Park, 2229 N. Clybourn and in the West Loop FrenchMarket. It also serves an extensive
client base via its internet operation www.vanillepatisserie.com.
“The
acquisition of Vanille Patisserie by Ms. Evanoff, a former student will enable
the existing team to continue in the tradition of the world’s finest French
pastry chefs who exemplify quality, creativity and exquisite taste,” said World Champion Pastry Chef Dimitri Fayard,
Vanille Patisserie’s co-founder. Who
will continue with the company in an advisory capacity. “I am thrilled that, as part of our
acquisition, that both Dimitri and Keli
Fayard agreed to provide guidance and advice with our new creations for
both wholesale and retail clients,” Ms. Evanoff said, adding, “their
experience, knowledge and excellence will be invaluable to the expansion we
both have envisioned.”
In
addition to its wholesale and retail operations, Vanille Patisserie provides
specialized catering and wedding cake creations. Information about the company and its products
are available at www.vanillepatisserie.com or at 773-868-4574.
Kai Sushi Comes to
the Chicago French Market
KaiSushi debuts at the Chicago French Market this month! The restaurant’s chef/ owner, John Tsendsuren,
was born and raised in Mongolia. After
graduating from high school he moved to United States in 2000. While Tsendsuren
was going to college, he began his culinary career by working in the house
kitchen of a small, family-owned Japanese restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida. He
spent four years learning the fundamental skills of Japanese cooking and art of
sushi. In 2005, John decided to move to
Chicago and found success while continuing
to master his craft at well- known restaurants in city, including Nomi
at Park Hyatt, Sunda, Kamehachi and Ra Sushi.
Most recently, Chef Tsendsuren opened his own restaurant in West Town, KaiSushi. With this achievement under his belt, John decided to open his second location in The Chicago French Market. Tsendsuren plans to open mid- December by offering the freshest seafood, all rolled by hand. A small seating area/counter will allow his guests to enjoy conversation, artistry and amazing sushi. For his customer’s convenience, Kai Sushi will also offer delivery.
December 2011 Events
December 1, 2011 –
Rush Hour Music with Gabrielle Browdy
Thirteen-year-old Gabrielle Browdy
performs at the French Market from 4-7 p.m. While she may be young, Gabrielle
is an accomplished and talented musician who is comfortable singing a variety
of styles. Beat the rush-hour crowds and wind down with her performance at the
French Market. For more information on Gabrielle Browdy and her music, visit http://gabriellebrowdy.com.
December 5, 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 a raw and vegan holiday brunch
for your friends and family. The menu will include: Bacon, Eggs and Biscuits, Festive
Waldorf salad and Goji Berry and Lucuma Cookies. The event is part of the Vegan Food Prep Class
Series. Purchase your tickets online for $50 at www.chicagorawfood.com.
December 7, 2011 –
Enjoy Americana Music over the Lunch Hour
Folk musician Steve Justman joins
the lunchtime crowds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 7. Justman hails from the Chicago-area and specializes in performing
Americana music. He has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in the
Chicago area and is excited to return to the French Market. For more
information on Steve Justman or to listen to his music, visit http://www.stevejustman.com.
December 8, 2011 – Night Market
Have you ever been to Europe or Asia and
experienced a Night Market? If not, you
can enjoy one right in the heart of the city!
The Chicago French Market is hosting their first Night Market Thursday,
December 8 from 4 to 9 p.m. The lights
will be dimmed and little white lights will be stretched across the aisle to
light your way through the market. Come enjoy dinner and drinks while exploring
the market. This is your chance to try
foods you haven’t had before. There will
be live music to set the mood, and it’s a great opportunity to shop Marché de
Noël.
December 15, 2011 –
Enjoy Rush Hour Music at the Chicago French Market
DeanMilano is a songwriter, musician, and the author of The Chicago Music Scene: 1960’s and 1970’s and will revive the
spirit of that time through his music at the French Market from 4-7 p.m. Dean will sing classic songs and play his
bass guitar. Relax and enjoy his musical skills
with dinner from the French Market. For more information on Dean Milano, visit http://www.myspace.com/deanmilano.
December 17, 2011 –
Jinglefest
Create
holiday memories for you and your kids Saturday, December 17 from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. Decorate holiday cookies and enjoy live
holiday music. Santa will also be making a special appearance! This event is
free.
December 20 – Dine
Around the Market with Chef Jason Heiman from Pork Shoppe
The
French Market will host a cooking demonstration and tasting with Chef Jason
Heiman of Pork Shoppe from 12-1 p.m. Tuesday, December 20. He will demonstrate several dishes, and a sampling of his creations will
follow. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask one of Chicago finest chefs your
culinary questions.
Chef
Jason Heiman is a 20 year veteran of the restaurant industry. Prior to opening Pork Shoppe, he was at the
helm of Tizi Melloul, Sous Chef at the eponymous Crofton on Wells and Sous Chef
at the Palm Restaurant in both Chicago and Denver. While pursuing a degree in fine art and
design, he was working his way through some of Denver's best kitchens. With his interest piqued, he began attending
culinary school at the Institute of Art in Denver. Upon graduation, he headed to Paris and
attended the prestigious Cordon Bleu.
Jason enjoys putting a new twist on classic dishes with an emphasis on
freshness, balance, and presentation.
At
Pork Shoppe (2755 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60618; 773-961-7654), he combines
traditional elements of barbecue cooking incorporating some mild fusion
elements from every part of the country. Pork Shoppe also uses natural, locally
sourced, farmed meat. For more
information, visit http://www.porkshoppechicago.com.
December 21, 2011 –
Traditional Accordion Music over your Lunch Break
Enjoy traditional accordion music
over your lunch break! Accordion player Pat Spaeth will delight as she plays
classic accordion tunes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An accomplished musician, Spaeth
is well-versed in many international music styles. Pick up lunch at the French
Market for a European experience!
December 29, 2011 – Enjoy Rush Hour Music at the Chicago French Market
Prolific
accordion play Pat Spaeth will share her musical expertise from 4-7 p.m. at the
Chicago French Market. Avoid the hectic rush hour and listen to her
accomplished playing. Accordion music is a French tradition that Pat is
delighted to share at the French Market.
What’s new in December?
Here’s a breakdown of
what’s coming to Chicago French Market this December!
City Fresh Market has made it easy for you to host parties
this holiday season! City Fresh Market
can create custom cheese and deli trays for all your entertaining and catering
needs. Pricing is based on what is included on each tray. City Fresh Market
also added ready-to-eat barbeque and buffalo wings for any size party. If it’s a gift you need, consider a fresh
fruit or gourmet food basket. It’s ideal and they start at only $15.00.
Winter
specialties at Lavazza Espression will keep you warm:
Caramel Apple Cider
Fresh apple cider infused with caramel and
steamed to perfection, crowned with whipped cream and a light caramel drizzle.
$3.10-$3.90
Eggnog Latte
Rekindle your
fondest holiday memories with our Eggnog Latte. A nostalgic blend of
creamy Eggnog, milk, and espresso. $3.40-$4.20
Peppermint Bark
Mocha
Enjoy the perfect
combination of decadent Italian drinking chocolate infused with peppermint,
espresso and steamed milk. Crowned with whipped cream and artisan crafted
Peppermint Bark!
Peppermint Bark
Hot Chocolate
Enjoy the perfect
combination of decadent Italian drinking chocolate infused with peppermint and
steamed milk. Crowned with whipped cream and artisan crafted Peppermint
Bark!
Cinnamon Èspessone™
A light cinnamon mousse floats on a smooth
espresso shot like the first snow settling on the ground. $2.95-$3.75
Les Fleurs has stocked
coolers with seasonal floral treasures.
From poinsettias to arrangements adorned with fragrant holiday greens,
Les Fleurs is the place for you to find help decorating for the holidays. Choose from custom floral arrangements,
wreaths and swags, or special order evergreen roping for your mantels or
banisters.
Loop Juice
(formerly known as the Juice Bar) is celebrating their 2nd year
anniversary Thursday, December 8, with 15% off from 5-9 p.m. The have also
expanded their menu selections. Stop by to enjoy their Salad Bar, Homemade Jams
and Soups and Dried Fruit Chips. Three and Five Day Cleanses are available,
along with an expanded juice and smoothie menu.
Pastoral
Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine’s new catalog has been released with
thoughtfully composed gifts, featuring small batch cheese, wine &
accompaniments, sourced from celebrated local artisans and masters of classical
traditions abroad.
They
are featuring several cheeses sure to please everyone this holiday:
Langres
Chalancey
The golden rind has been washed in
champagne brandy and envelopes a creamy, silky smooth, ivory interior. For a dynamic presentation, pour a splash of
Champagne into the cheese’s top crater and watch the bubbles dance. Visually stunning and delicious!
Robiola
Rochetta
The blend of three milks makes this
Northern Italian treasure flavorful and rich with hints of crème fraiche and
sour cream. The delicate rind protects a
deliciously creamy interfacing and slightly earthly, luscious interior.
L’Amuse
Signature Aged Gouda
One of our highest quality goudas, these
wheels are aged 2 years and hand-selected by Essex Street Cheese company. Notes of caramel and hazelnut jump out from
amongst the multitude of flavors. Each delicious morsel of this crumble, aged
cheese has velvety, melt-in-your mouth texture with a delightful crystalline
crunch!
Traditional
Holiday Stichelton
This cheese is the world’s only hand-made,
raw milk Stilton. A rare example of raw
milk blue cheese in England Stichelton is made by gently coercing the organic
milk into curds with only a small amount or rennet and starter cultures. The
delicate curds are then hand-ladled into traditional English blue cheese moulds
where they ripen into wheels of rich, creamy blue cheese with an earthy natural
rind. The spice from the blue mold is
balanced with notes of toasted nuts, cool butter and a caramel-like
sweetness.
Rogue
River Blue
Hints of sweet pine, wild berries,
hazelnuts, morels, and ripe pears frolic together in this very rare blue. Produced only in summer, wrapped in pear
brandy-soaked grape leaves, and cave-aged up to one year, enjoy this special
treat when it becomes available. It is
one of the only American cheeses available in Europe for our friends across the
pond to enjoy!
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
is also featuring several specialty wines and cocktails:
Stu’s This is Bloody Mary
You may not
find tomato juice or vodka in this jar, but you will find the spices and enough
Stu’s sour pickle juice to make the best bloody mary you have ever had. Each little jar has all the pickle and pepper
you need to make 4 pints of bloody mary.
Just add a pint of tomato juice and vodka to 2oz of this sour
sauce. Pastoral is the exclusive
retailer for this delicious Bloody Mary mix created by a former Pastoral cheese
monger. Pastoral recommends you use
Death’s Door Vodka, locally produced on Washington Island, Wisconsin.
L. Mawby Sparkling
Blanc de Blanc
Wine Spectator gave this sparkler a very stellar rating,
your mother-in-law will love it and your boss will think you’re a genius when
he tastes it. So grab a flute, open your
mouth, free your mind…and make sure you have a Picolo handy!
L. Mawby with
Pastoral’s Caviar for Two Collection, $89.99
Stay in for New Years and enjoy a lovely bottle of L.
Mawby Sparkling Blanc de Blanc with farm raised sturgeon caviar from
Italy. Each tin is Friend of the Sea
certified and labeled with traceable information on its sourcing and
production. Crisp and clean Blanc de
Blancs, made in the Methode Champenois, dances on your tongue and mingles with
the delightfully playful pearls of caviar.
Picolo, a triple-crème button of cheese, pays a palate pleasing
tune.
Produce Express is stocked with seasonal harvest.
Choose from several varieties of apples, squash and sweet potatoes, just to
name a few. Produce Express is an Illinois farmer, and the majority of their
items are from their downstate farm or other local farmers. You can’t get any fresher than that!
Provo’s Village Bake
Shop is busy in the kitchen so you don’t have to be! Choose from traditional
Pecan, Apple, Apple Caramel, Pumpkin, Chocolate Silk, Banana Silk and Key Lime
Pies or an Old Fashioned Yule Log Cake. Also
available are traditional Sugar, Almond Crescent, Gingerbread and Butter
Cookies and traditional Kolachki’s.
Saigon Sisters has created two amazing gift-giving
items for you. Choose from a Vietnamese
Coffee Kit (Ca Phe) consisting of Café du Monde coffee, 2 Phin Filters, 2
Stainless Steel glass mugs and a can of condensed milk for $50.00. Looking for the perfect gift for every foodie
on your list? Saigon Sisters has created
an amazing Vietnamese Spring Roll/Cookbook Kit consisting of a Vietnamese Cookbook,
Spring Roll Kit and Pho Spice Sachet, packaged in a Saigon Sister trademarked
straw bag for only $45.00.
Superior Nut and Candy
Superior Nut and Candy recently added gift boxes and tins
filled with assorted nuts and candies.
These boxes and tins are just right for teachers’ gifts, gifts for
co-workers or just someone you want to thank. Most of them are under $10.00.
Sweet Miss Giving’s will be featuring all
your holiday favorites. Choose from Peppermint Brownies, Chocolate Peppermint
Cupcakes, Pumpkin Cheese Cake, Turtle Cheese Cake, Ginger Molasses Cookies and
Cherry Brownies. You will be the model
hostess or guest when these treats are put out to enjoy.
Vanille, Inc.
Vanille, Inc. will be creating two traditional French cakes this holiday season. The Bûche de Noël is a rolled holiday cake with decor like a Yule log. There are three available flavor combinations: Chocolate Cake with Fudge Ganache topped with Coffee Buttercream; Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Buttercream frosting and Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Mousseline and Buttercream frosting. These cakes are $45 plus tax, and each serves 8-10.
Vanille, Inc. will be creating two traditional French cakes this holiday season. The Bûche de Noël is a rolled holiday cake with decor like a Yule log. There are three available flavor combinations: Chocolate Cake with Fudge Ganache topped with Coffee Buttercream; Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Buttercream frosting and Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Mousseline and Buttercream frosting. These cakes are $45 plus tax, and each serves 8-10.
Vanille, Inc. is
also offering classic Galette des Rois, an Almond Cream baked in Puff Pastry to
celebrate the Epiphany. Baked inside each Galette is a small, collectible
porcelain trinket called a fève. Whoever gets the slice with the fève is
crowned King (or Queen) for the day. The cake also comes with a paper crown. Cakes
are $32 plus tax and serve 8-10.
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