Fumare Meats & Deli will be featuring two European specialty items this December

Fumare Meats & Deli wants to bring back "Old World" traditions and will be featuring two European specialty items this December. Swedish Potato Sausage (Potatis Korv), is a fresh sausage made with ground pork and beef that is mixed with potatoes, onions, salt and pepper, $7.99/lb - This sausage is traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. Fumare also will be featuring Fresh Polish Blood Sausage, $5.99/lb - Blood Sausage is one of the most popular food items across the world and is an unusual butcher's delicacy made by cooking blood or dried blood with a filler, such as pork or other meats, which gives the sausage its dark color.

 

Chicago French Market Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary Today

Photo by Marian Jarocki

Chicago French Market (131 N. Canal St., Chicago) has a lot to celebrate today. It's celebrating its 4^th anniversary with a full-house of 32 vendors, many of whom were here this morning to toast the occasion with a bottle of bubbly.  Chicago French Market is the City’s first and only year-round, European-inspired indoor market that gives consumers convenient, permanent and personal access to all local Midwestern artisans and purveyors selling an expansive assortment of food, wine, small batch goods and flowers. 

CFM's Market Harvest ends tomorrow with amazing specials and events!

Spicy Monkey is offering new Pumpkin Spice Soup and a Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese Sandwich; Superior Nut and Candy is offering Dipped Candy and Caramel Apples; Oh Olive! is showcasing Red Apple and Cranberry Pear Balsamic, Autumn Harvest Teas, Pumpkin Patch Teas, and Butternut Squash Sauce, and Fumare Meats and Deli is offering Harvest Kale Soup. What would a Harvest Festival be without fabulous beers? Enjoy Frietkoten's American Craft and German Oktoberfest Beers.

 

Looking for the perfect October gift? Pick up Pumpkin Pie Soap from Abbey Brown Artisan Soap or enjoy Bello Tea's new Gingerbread Tea Latte, Pumpkin Spice Tea Lattes or Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea. Delightful Pastries will be sampling its various brownies during the Harvest Festival as well as featuring its homemade, gluten-free Butternut Squash Soup and The Thanksgiving sandwich. Other harvest specials include: pumpkin cayenne pepper cheesecake brownie ($3.50 each), the pumpkin bread (8.50/loaf), and pumpkin-shaped all butter sugar cookie ($3.50 each), all perfect for take-home desserts or eating-on-the-run).

 

October is American Cheese Month!  To help us celebrate we'll be joined by four award-winning cheesemakers from across the USA.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Saturday, October 12 - Matthew Scott, Twin Maple Farm

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine celebrates the Chicago French Market's Market Harvest which coincides with the national celebration of American Cheese Month this year. In honor of these occasions, Pastoral will be hosting Matthew Scott from Twin Maple Farm in upstate New York 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 12. This is a great opportunity to meet an original American cheesemaker, and to sample and take home some of his award-winning cheese, Hudson Red. Along with a cold bottle of cider, this rich and decadent cheese is the perfect addition to your fall harvest table. Be sure to come back all month long while we feature the hidden gems of the American cheese scene each week.

 

Saturday October 12 Lunch Hour Music - Robert Cunningham
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
 

Enjoy live music by Robert Cunningham. Quickly becoming one of Chicago's most sought after solo performers, Robert Cunningham's eclectic mix of vocal styles ranging from pop, 70's folk rock, Broadway standards and opera make him one of the most versatile acts out there! Robert appeared on Broadway in the role of Paul in the 2007 Tony Award-winning production of Stephen Sondheim's Company. Most recently he is performing with the Chicago Lyric Opera and the CSO. Catch him from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 at the Chicago French Market.

Chicago French Market Harvest - Thursday, October 10 to Saturday, October 12

Chicago French Market will be celebrating the fall with its three-day Market Harvest, Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, October 12. Vendors will be offering specials, samplings and showcasing new products.

 

Enjoy deals including 10 percent off all Tea Kits and Tea Accessories at Bello Tea. "It's the perfect time to stock up for upcoming hostess gifts and holiday gift-giving," says owner Tammy Reddy.

 

Swing by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 10 for a complimentary cider tasting. Pastoral will be pairing these ciders with some of the best artisanal cheeses from coast to coast in conjunction with American Cheese Month.

 

During the Market Harvest, Delightful Pastries will be sampling a variety of its brownies.  Also, on October 11, Delightful will be celebrating World Egg Day. For only $1 extra, diners can add egg and cheese to their popular Three Piggly Wigglys sandwich ($10) with Polish ham, lean crispy bacon, pan-fried-pork-cutlet, and pickles served on an "everything" bun.

 

"October is the perfect time to celebrate the fall harvest," says Nico Hua, partner of Delightful Pastries. "We encourage our guests to enjoy our savory offerings including homemade, gluten free Butternut Squash Soup, The Thanksgiving sandwich, or enjoy a combination Sandwich and Soup for $10.25.

 

Finish your meal with the pumpkin cayenne pepper cheesecake brownie, a pumpkin-shaped all butter sugar cookie, or take home a loaf of the pumpkin bread, all perfect for the Harvest Fest.  

Spicy Monkey will be offering pumpkin spice soup and its Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese sandwich; Superior Nut and Candy will have special hand-dipped candy and caramel apples; Oh Olive! will feature Red Apple and Cranberry Pear Balsamic, Autumn Harvest and Pumpkin Patch Teas, and Butternut Squash Sauce. Fumare Meats and Deli adds Harvest Kale Soup to its Harvest Fest menu, Frietkoten features American Craft and German Oktoberfest Beers, and Abbey Brown Artisan Soap show its Pumpkin Pie Soap.

 

Thursday, October 10 Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine - Cider Tasting 
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

 

Just in time for fall!  Swing by Pastoral 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10 for a complimentary cider tasting. Pastoral will be pairing ciders with some of the best artisanal cheeses from coast to coast in conjunction with American Cheese Month.

American Cheese Month activities continue at Pastorial Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine with their "Meet the Cheesemaker" series as Matthew Scott of Twin Maple Farm in NY showcases his award winning cheese, Hudson Red, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 12. This is a unique opportunity to taste this one-of-a-kind American original and to meet the man behind the curd.

Fumare Meats will Offer Traditional Easter Pascal Ham

Just in time for Easter, Fumare Meats will be featuring Pascal Ham. These locally produced hams are 1 to 2 pounds each and are a customary European tradition. The day before Easter, many eastern Europeans would pack a basket with some of their foods to be blessed at church. Be part of the tradition this year by stopping by Fumare for a unique Easter treat.

Chicago French Market Fumare and Lavazza Espression adds new menu items

Fumare has expanded its breakfast menu to offer seasonal fruit pancakes, homemade waffles and Pastrami-infused hash browns in addition to its widely popular egg sandwiches.  Owners Richard and Joan McCracken ensure the use of the freshest ingredients for the hearty new breakfast options.  Don’t forget about the bagels and cream cheese which also are still available; and what’s a bagel without fresh lox?   Breakfast is available starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

This October, Lavazza Espression will be celebrating fall flavors by featuring some new seasonal menu items.

Pumpkin Butter Latte
Savor the season with a comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk, and smooth espresso. A 12 oz. latte is available for $3.45

Cardamom Truffle Mousse
An artisan crafted cardamom mousse layered over a light flourless chocolate cake. Now available for $3.95.

Pumpkin Chiffon Mousse
An artisan crafted pumpkin mousse layered over a gingersnap cookie crust, crowned with crystallized ginger. Now available for $3.95.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate with the best of them! Chicago knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right with food, drinks and celebration!  Check out some specials available to kick of your holiday festivities.

Elate's "Paddy Wagon" cocktail

River North restaurant, Elate, will be offering a special St. Patrick’s Day dish for all those who are Irish at heart. A modern take on the traditional favorite, come take a bite of their Open Face Reuben served on crispy rye bread, a side of cabbage puree, herb aoli and their house potatoes.  Also on the menu is the “Paddy Wagon,” Elate’s premiere St. Patrick’s Day cocktail. The Paddy Wagon is a unique combination of Square one cucumber vodka, Green pepper juice, Roasted poblano agave, and lime juice. 

For a more traditional Irish spread, stop in at Fumare Meats& Deli at the Chicago French Market.  March 17 they will be serving up a special dinner plate in honor St. Patrick’s Day.  Come enjoy corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes for $8.99 a plate.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine at the Chicago French Market has several options o kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. For the cheese lovers out there, they are featuring two unique cheeses from County Cork, Ireland.  Ardrahan Cow’s Milk and Coolea Cow’s Milk cheeses are available for purchase throughout the month of March.

Pastoral also is hosting a beer tasting 5-7pm Wednesday, March 14 in honor of all things Irish.  Bring your friends and co-workers to the Chicago French Market and enjoy a free sampling of artisan beers.  It’s the perfect prequel to your weekend St. Patrick’s celebration!

Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook will be celebrating by offering housemade Corned Beef and Cabbage. Visit their website for more details and pricing which isn't yet available.

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!

First Annual Artisan Producer Festival at Chicago French Market, April 30

Don't miss the First Annual Artisan Producer Festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Chicago French Market ( 131 N. Clinton St. , Chicago ; (312) 575-0306). The no-cost event offers the chance to meet more than 35 featured culinary artisans, sample products and celebrate small batch foods, beers and wine. 

Event organizer Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine has put together an incredible lineup of more than 35 producers, featuring more than 12 cheese makers including:

Prairie Fruits Farm- Illinois

Zingerman's Creamery- Michigan

Jasper Hill Farm- Vermont

Vermont Creamery- Vermont

Visit with a variety of artisans who produce distinctive sweet and savory accompaniments including:

Seedling Farms- Michigan

Ames Honey- Minnesota

Potter's Organic Margy Crackers-Wisconsin

Bennison's Bakery-Wisconsin

Quince & Apple Handmade Preserves- Wisconsin

Half Acre Beer Company- Chicago

Goose Island Brewery- Chicago

Salumeria Bieillese- New York

Sourpuss Pickles- New York

Local Chicago Favorites:

DAS Caramelini

Sweet Margy Confections

Bennison's Bakery

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine also is excited to introduce Sour Puss Pickles, a line of small batch pickled vegetables from Brooklyn, N.Y. Sour Puss Pickles works directly with local farms in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania to guarantee the quality and freshness of the raw ingredient used in their pickles. Product line includes ginger carrots, mustard tarragon asparagus and peppered okra for $12 per 16 ounce jar.

Here's your chance to learn how to cure meats. Chicago French Market's Fumare Meats is featuring Randy Ream from Elburn meats, who will talk about curing, smoking and cooking meat.

Canday Le Chocolatier is demonstrating the art of chocolate making and Saigon Sisters is demonstrating how to make spring rolls.

Other Chicago French Market artisans participating include Abbey Brown Artisan Soaps, Chicago Organics, City Fresh Market, Delightful Pastries, Les Fleurs, Produce Express, RAW, Sweet Miss Giving's and Vanille Patisserie.