Oceanique chef Mark Grosz on WGN-TV Lunchbreak for this weekend's Lycée Français de Chicago French Market

In case you missed today's WGN-TV Lunchbreak, here's the link to Oceanique Chef Mark Grosz's demonistration, a preview of what he'll be doing tomorrow at Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) French Market. Here's a terrific feature by Aimee Thompson that appeared on ChicagoNow as well as in your blog MyFrenchLife.org 

Mark Grosz Demonistration at Lycee Francais de Chicago Fall French Market

- Date: Saturday, November 9

- Demo Time: 2 p.m.

Location: 

- Lycee Francais de Chicago (640 W. Irving Park Road)

- The school is located at the corner of Marine Drive and Irving Park Road.

Mark's recipe is below.

Reprinted with permission by Aimee Thompson.

Discover French market magic in Chicago

October 24, 2013 By Aimee Thompson   |   Chicago, USA

t’s hard to resist the allure of a true French market. Whenever I think of my travels to France, I immediately envision my time spent browsing the tables full of unique wares at markets across the country. At each one, visitors were inexplicably drawn to the varied treasures from past and present. To me, it was always remarkable to be able to go from a table filled with lavender soaps to one with antique absinthe fountains to one with homemade confitures - all in one bustling place. This is why I always savor the chance to go to the Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) Fall French Market each year.

An authentic French market in Chicago

French market enthusiasts should mark your calendar for the 9th annual LFC Fall French Market taking place Friday, 8 November through Sunday, 10 November. The event, held at the French international school at 640 W. Irving Park Road, will feature a wide array of unique goods – like any authentic French market.

This year, you can sample chocolates, peruse jewelry, check out antiques, sample jams, and try on apparel – with many other items being offered by the more than 60 vendors expected at this year’s market. Parents can shop sans enfants thanks to the market’s Children’s Pavilion, which offers arts and crafts activities and a variety of entertainment.

French culinary sweet and savory treats

To add to the authentic French experience, you can treat yourselves to such culinary treats as made-to-order crepes, warm beignets, fresh baguettes, and more. You also can visit the market’s parent and student-run bistro, which will serve up homemade French seasonal cuisine. Each year, I enjoy placing my order with a French-speaking student and then having them cheerfully deliver me my delicious lunch with a hearty “bon appetit!“ At the market, you also can learn a culinary trick or two from renown Chicago chefs who will conduct cooking demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday, helping to inspire your next menu or meal. Participating chefs hail from Bistronomic, Geja’s Cafe, Gur Sweets, LM Bistro, Green Spirit, Oceanique, Toni Patisserie & Cafe, and Nouveau Tavern, among other local restaurants and caterers.

A toast to all things French

The LFC Fall French Market opens its doors Friday night. Anyone wishing to get an early look at this year’s unique offerings can purchase a ticket to the preview party. This year, the party is inspired by our neighbor to the south – Mexico. It offers a sampling of authentic Mexican food and a festive selection of wine, beer and cocktails. The LFC Fall French Market is one of the school’s annual fundraisers. Proceeds go towards need-based scholarships for students. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

All photographs © In the Light Photography

Recipe by Oceanique Chef Mark Grosz

Warm Day Boat Sea Scallops

Kimchi    English Peas  Watercress   Radishes

Serves Four

12 oz. day day boat scallops

1 oz. canola oil

2 oz. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup English peas

2 cups Watercress

1 clove garlic – chopped small

1 cup Kimchi

1 cup local radish (anything available – sliced thin)

½ lemon – juiced

METHOD:

Cook peas in boiling salted water for two minutes. Season with salt, black pepper & 1 teaspoon olive oil and keep warm.  Saute watercress in hot olive oil, add garlic after 15 seconds and continue to cook for 30 seconds or so.  Season with salt, black pepper and keep warm.  Dry scallops and sauté over high heat with canola oil.  Cook about one minute per side until golden brown.  Remove from heat.  Brush with olive oil to cool and lubricate.  Add a pinch of salt. 

Arrange watercress on plates, top with Kimchi and peas, add scallops, and radishes squeeze fresh lemon on scallops.  Serve ASAP.  Serve with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

photo by Cindy Kurman, Kurman Photography

Celebrate Bastille Day a day early at the Chicago French Market Saturday

Enjoy the 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. cooking demonstration by Le Bouchon’s legendary French Head Chef Jean Claude Poilevey and son, Sous Chef Oliver Poilevey.  A recent inductee to The Culinary Academy of France, Chef Poilevey strives for authenticity in his delicate and romantic French bistro. In honor of Bastille Day, Chef Jean Claude and Chef Oliver will demo classic French dishes.

1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Sarah Young Trio (Jazz)

Sarah Young was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk vocal competition in 2010, and won first prize in the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice competition in 2011. Come experience her breath-taking voice with this diverse trio comprised of piano, upright bass and vocals. Enjoy the Free Bubbly Tasting as they perform Jazz, Latin, Swing and Dance Standards with French embellishments and feel. 

For those who don’t know, on July 14, 1789, the people of Paris raided the Bastille fortress-prison to demonstrate their independence and the uprising of the modern nation. This iconic moment in French history, marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Centuries later, Bastille Day has become a worldwide celebration, with parades and festivals held around the globe to honor French culture.

Figue Mediterranean Hosts Summer-long Mediterranean Culinary Tour, June through September

Figue Mediterranean Restaurant (47474 Washington St., La Quinta, CA; 760-698-9040; eatfigue.com) is going to transform the desert summer into a glorious food and wine holiday via its Summer Culinary Tour that launches on June 1 and runs through the end of September. This "voyage" to the Mediterranean begins with Italy in June, then moves on to France in July, Spain in August and Greece in September. The Summer Culinary Tour is a food lover's adventure, featuring special menus, wines and cocktails, cooking classes, wine tastings and other exciting activities which celebrate the colorful and delicious food and wine traditions of the Mediterranean region.

 

The Summer Culinary Tour will take Figue's guests on a vacation to the Mediterranean  region without having to leave the Coachella Valley," said Lee Morcus, owner of Figue. "We are raising the bar on how to have a great summertime in the desert. We appreciate that the residents of La Quinta as well as those from the neighboring communities of Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, Indio and the Coachella Valley don't want to spend much time outdoors during the hottest months. Which is why they will be excited to learn that Figue is taking them, throughout the summer, on an amazing food and wine journey that never leaves our beautiful, air-conditioned restaurant and gathering place."
 

Figue Mediterranean has organized the Summer Culinary Tour into four one-month stops at special "ports of call." The Tour begins when Figue says "welcome aboard" by giving each guest a special Figue Summer Culinary Tour Passport, which is stamped each time they dine at Figue during the summer. Just as guests would experience if they were to go on a Mediterranean or European food and wine tour, at each stop they will enjoy authentic foods and wines that would be featured in that part of the Mediterranean. Everything is made from the finest, freshest, organic ingredients. Primary ingredients are sourced locally and regionally while others are imported directly from the Mediterranean area.  

 

At each monthly stop, guests will be able to enjoy a 3-course special prix fixe menu (in addition to the regular menu), and Figue's bar will serve special appetizers, wines and cocktails from that country. In addition there will be special activities for food lovers who want to experience that region's culinary culture in a more hands-on way. There will be cooking classes led by Executive Chef François de Mélogue, who has spent much time in the Mediterranean region. There will also be wine blending workshops and tastings and special multi-course tasting dinners. As the Summer Culinary Tour unfolds, there may be some special surprises added to the calendar. These will be announced as plans are finalized.  

 

"We are so excited to create this kind of food and wine experience for our guests," said de Mélogue. "To make the Summer Culinary Tour outstanding, we have chosen a wide range of dishes that represent the variety of flavors and ingredients for which these regions are known. Many ingredients will be familiar, but some will be the 'best kept secrets' of that particular region. Our goal is offer something for everyone who enjoys good food and wants to learn a little more about Mediterranean cuisine. Everything will be super-fresh, flavorful, refreshing and slightly out of the ordinary. That's what a food and wine adventure should be all about."   

Italy will be the first stop on the Tour, throughout the month of June. Among the special activities planned is a 3-course Rustic Italian Dinner Menu ($38 per person), available from June 1 through June 16. Throughout the month, Italian Small Plates will be served in the bar area, also featuring a selection of special regional wines and cocktails. On June 19, Figue will host a lunch time Palmina Wine Blending ($75 per person) which includes a 3-course lunch. Chef de Mélogue will lead a lunchtime Cooking Class on June 22 ($75 per person) which includes a 3-course lunch. During the final week of the month, June 24-30, enjoy "Ahh Venice!", a 5-course Venetian tasting menu ($75 per person).    

"Figue's Summer Culinary Tour is going to be a major highlight of the summer in La Quinta," said Morcus. "We hope that everyone from this wonderful area will join our growing following of people who have discovered that Figue is an exciting and exceptional-yet casual and friendly-new restaurant. Every day from June through September, during the Summer Culinary Tour, Figue will also be the best oasis in the desert!"  

 

For more information about Figue's Summer Culinary Tour, please visit eatfigue.com/events.

Bistro Voltaire: A little corner of Chicago where Parisian "Joie de Vivre" lives

Bistro Voltaire is a relative newcomer to the Chicago dining scene and yet it has become a favored destination for Chicagoans seeking the romantic, spirited vibe of a French bistro without leaving the Windy City. The food is classic and the ambiance is infused with a real Paris feel. "Most commonly, our guests say that entering Bistro Voltaire is like leaving Chicago and finding oneself in France," said owner Ned Boukram, a native of France. "We take this as a great compliment, for that is exactly what we've tried to do with our little restaurant. We think that a world-class city like Chicago needs a little corner where Paris lives-everyone loves Paris."

Not surprisingly, the first wave of devotees of Bistro Voltaire (226 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago; 312-265-0911) have been Europeans visiting Chicago and well-traveled Chicagoans who know Paris and are thrilled to find a place where they can relax et se régaler (and have a great meal). But increasingly, the people who are frequenting Bistro Voltaire are Chicago foodies who want a change of pace from the fusion cuisine of most upscale restaurants and want to enjoy good traditional French food in its purer form because, quite simply, it is delicious and satisfying. In keeping with the bistro sensibility, the prices are very reasonable.

"There is a reason why classic French bistros are still very popular in France in spite of the influence of modern globalism," said Boukram. "There is a certain joie de vivre in a bistro and this is certainly true at Bistro Voltaire-the food and wine go together perfectly and the people feel free to eat hearty and converse with enthusiasm. There is a shared sense of community and spirit. We all have a good time together."

Entering Bistro Voltaire, one is struck by the authenticity of the straightforward French bistro atmosphere. This is no theme restaurant; it's a cozy and comfortable gathering spot that transports one to les rues des Paris. The color tones are traditional red, white and black and the restaurant is furnished with simple tables, banquettes and a nicely-sized bar. A wall mural with a large etching of Voltaire is the only whimsical touch, accompanied by Voltaire's famous quote: "Je m'arrêterais de mourir s'il me venait un bon mot ou une bonne idée (I will stop my death if a good word or a good idea come to my mind).

The restaurant is very appealing to the bar crowd as well as those who desire a sit-down meal. People drop in after work so they can unwind with a great glass of wine and some robust French comfort food. "As the weather gets colder, we'll see more and more guests escaping the weather and sitting at the bar to enjoy a bowl of our wonderful Soupe a L'oignon gratinee with some house-made crusty bread and a glass of Bordeaux wine," said Boukram. "Marvelous!"

The new fall 2012 menu, which changes regularly with the season, offers an ample variety of classic French bistro dishes which run the gamut from light and refreshing to robust and comforting. At Bistro Voltaire, it is easy to compose a meal that suits one's appetit du jour.

First Courses offer a sampling of some the most beloved small plates in the French bistro tradition. Included are such dishes as the Oeuf en cocotte (sheered egg atop sautéed mushrooms, crème fraiche, porcini truffle mousse), $9; photo left: Foie gras Parfait (foie gras mousse, sour cherry compote, toasted baguette), $14 ; Assiette de Charcuterie (house made paté, air dried sausage, cured ham, gherkins and grainy mustard), $14; Escargots de Bourgogne (braised escargots with garlic herb butter and puff pastry), $11; and Moules (sautéed PEI Mussels, white wine, shallots, herbs), $12.

Salad selection include the Laitue au bleu (tender bibb lettuce, toasted pecans, crisp apples, fresh herbs, crumbled blue cheese, house vinaigrette), $10; Photo below right: Terrine de bettraves et chevre (tender beets and goat cheese terrine, mixed baby g reens, house vinaigrette), $10; and La salade maison (mixed baby greens with Herbs de Provence with warmed goat cheese crouton), $9.

Main Courses for fall are bistro standouts. On the lighter side are fish and seafood dishes like Grouper provencal (seared grouper fillet, stewed ratatouille, tomato basil sauce), $23; Pave de Saumon grille (grilled salmon with Toasted Israeli couscous, asparagus, tomatoes, lemon butter sauce), $22; and Noix de St. Jacques (seared sea scallops, parsnip puree, roasted Brussels sprouts, crisp pancetta, red wine reduction), $25.

Pasta lovers will enjoy Bistro Voltaire's rendition of Gnocchi a la Parisienne (French style gnocchi, sautéed vegetables, beurre noisette), $18.

Poultry selections include Magret de Canard (seared duck breast, organic brown wild rice, red wine braised apples and red cabbage, sweet and sour sauce), $25, and photo left : Ballotine de poulet (roasted stuffed chicken breast, sautéed asparagus, pommes daupines, sherry Dijon sauce), $23.

Hearty meat dishes include Carre d'agneau au romarin (roasted rack of lamb, butternut squash, fingerling potatoes, mushrooms, rosemary demi-glace), $28; photo below right: Boeuf bourguignon (braised short ribs in a red wine burgundy sauce, pearl onions, carrots, fingerling potatoes, bacon), $25; and the nicely prepared Steak au poivre w/ Pomme Frite (pan seared, 10oz NY Strip, with green peppercorn sauce), $26.

All main courses are available with guests' choice of sides ($5 each): Mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, pancetta, Pommes frites, Asparagus, Baby carrots.

No meal in France is finished until dessert is thoroughly enjoyd, and Bistro Voltaire offers perfectly prepared sumptuous classic finales. Topping the list is the photo left: Tarte Pomme Normande (apple tart with almond), $8. Another crowd favorite is the Gâteau chocolat (warm chocolate cake with espresso cream), $8.50. Those who prefer photo below right: Profiteroles will enjoy Bistro Voltaire's version, topped with warm chocolate sauce ($8). There is also a traditional Vanille Crème Brulee ($7), and an Assiette de fromage (cheese plate with accoutrements, $12).



A Well-Chosen, Value-Driven French Wine List
A bistro experience would not be complete without an excellent wine and Bistro Voltaire's wine program does not disappoint. The wine list features only French wines, personally selected by Boukram. "We choose wines that are delicious and pair exceptionally well with bistro fare," said Boukram. "Our wines by the glass are the same as those which can be ordered by the bottle. We don't serve lesser quality wines because they're served by the glass. We have tried to emphasize high-value, reasonably priced wines that are delicious and we also include some extra special wines for those who don't mind the higher price."

There are more than 50 wines on the wine list, a dozen of which are available both by the glass and the bottle. These include sparkling wines such as NV Blanc Brut Claude de Villeneuve, $9 glass /$42 bottle, and NV Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay), $12/$47. White wines by the glass or bottle include 2011 Joseph Cattin (Pinot Blanc from Alsace region), $9/$39, 2010 Le Grand Ballon (Sauvignon Blanc from Loire region), $10/$49; and 2009 Albert Bichot Bourgogne Chardonnay Vielles Vignes (Chardonnay from the Burgundy region), $10/$47; 2010 Barons de Rothschild collection (60% semillion, 40% sauvignon blanc from the Bordeaux region), $9/$40 and 2010 JL Colombo "Les Abeilles" Côtes du Rhône AOC (Clairette, Roussanne from the Rhône region), $10/$46. A Rosé wine available by the glass or bottle is the 2011 JL Colombo "Cape Bleue" Rosé (Clairette, Roussanne), $9/$43.

Red wines available by the glass or bottle include 2010 Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes (Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region), $11/$45; 2006 Château de Puynormond Montagne St. Emillion (Merlot from the Bordeaux region), $13/$55; 2009 Marie De Beauregard Chinon (100% Cabarnet Franc from the Loire/Rhône regions) $12/$54; and the 2009 Dom. JL Colombo "Les Abeilles" Rouge (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre from the Loire/Rhône regions), $9/$46.

Among the special white wine selections served only by the bottle are the 2008 Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre "Les Monts" (Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire region), $104; 2009 Albert Bichot Puligny-Montrachet (Chardonnay from the Burgundy region), $110. Special red wines by the bottle only include 2009 Albert Bichot Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Murots" (Pinot Noir, from the Burgundy region), $110; 2007 Chateau Tour Pibran - Pauillac (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, from the Bordeaux region), $67; and 2006 Dom Jerome Gradassi Châteauneuf du Pape (Grenache, Syrah from the Loire/Rhône regions), $70.

Bistro Voltaire also presents classic French cocktails ($11 each) such as the Jean Paul Sartre (Vodka, St. German, pineapple juice, fresh squeezed lime juice); the Camus (Calvados, Rum, Sugar Cube); Moliere (light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine); the Chambord Royale (Chambord, vodka, triple sec, fresh squeezed lime juice); the Simone de Beauvoir (Tequila, amaretto, grenadine, pineapple juice); the Colette (dry gin, St. Germain, Chartreuse, fresh squeezed lime juice); and the Dubonnet Rouge Martini (Dubonnet, triple sec, cranberry, vodka).

About Bistro Voltaire
Bistro Voltaire, a classic French bistro owned and operated by Ned Boukram, is located at 226 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60610. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday; closed on Sunday. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Bistro Voltaire at (312) 265-0911. Please also visit the website at www.bistrovoltaire.com.

Chicago French Market Named Best Redevelopment Project of 2009

Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton between Randolph and Washington streets, a project by the Bensidoun family of France and U.S. Equities Realty of Chicago, has been named Best Redevelopment Project of 2009. Chicago French Market appeals to the "shop local" food movement by offering about 30 vendors of fresh ingredients for home cooking or for commuters grabbing a quick lunch.  The award was presented last night at a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank. The awards dinner raised more than $850,000 to support hunger-relief programs and has raised more than $10 million in the past 22 years. More than 1,500 attendees were on hand as awards were presented in 15 categories.

Who Will Represent the U.S. at the Bocuse d’Or?

Don’t miss appearances from Chicago chefs Grant Achatz, Jennifer Petrusky and Charlie Trotter at the Bocuse d’Or USA final competition Feb. 5 – 6, 2010 hosted by the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

The Bocuse d’Or is an international culinary competition held every two years is Lyon, France. Twenty-four countries are selected to complete and each team must create two elaborate platter presentations focusing on meat and seafood. The winner of the competition will represent the United States at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary competition in January 2011.

The weekend event consists of the final competition to determine the USA’s representative, an awards dinner announcing the winner, many chef demonstrations as well as book signings.

The Chicago chefs have a busy weekend ahead: Achatz joins the panel of judges for the final competition and is scheduled for a book signing. Petrusky is the only competitor from Chicago; she represents Charlie Trotter’s Chicago. Trotter himself is there for a culinary demonstration as well as a book signing.

All events, excluding the awards dinner, are free and open to the public. For more information about the weekend event and for times, visit www.bocusedorusa.org.