Saigon Sisters at the Chicago French Market is Part of the New F.I.T. City Initiative

Saigon Sisters at the Chicago French Market is proud to announce its place on the list of a new initiative called F.I.T. (Fresh, Innovative, and Tasty) City led by the Chicago Department of Health. This program supports restaurants that are conscious of having healthy yet tasty options for diners to choose from. For more information, visit healthierchicago.org. 

In other Saigon Sisters news, the popular Hen House sandwich has been named as one of Chicago Magazine’s top 50 sandwiches. To help mark the honor, they are offering the Hen House sandwich for $1 off when the Chicago Magazine list is mentioned. This offer is available one time only per person through January. 

As the year starts anew, Saigon Sisters wants to take a moment to thank its customers for supporting them and all the vendors at the Chicago French Market. Being a small business, the owners had a great opportunity to complete an intensive training on entrepreneurship through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. The program is designed to help small businesses grow and prosper, thus creating more jobs to help stimulate the economy. To learn more about this federally funded program, ask Mary Aregoni of Saigon Sisters or visit http:// www.ccc.edu/10ksb.

Flip Crêpes Introduces New Flip Frӧz Yogurt at the Chicago French Market

A new frozen yogurt has made its way to the Flip Crêpe booth at the Chicago
French Market. Flip Frӧz is a cultured frozen yogurt that is lightly sweetened with honey, blue agave and vanilla. This low fat and gluten free snack can be purchased in a cup, fruit bowl or parfait with granola and seasonal fruit (reg. $5.99 lg. $6.99).

EJ Sushi Now Offering Party Platters at the Chicago French Market

Looking for the perfect dish to create a lasting impression with your party guests? EJ sushi is now offering party trays and platters to help add some variety to your upcoming events. Whether it’s a Super Bowl party or a business lunch or dinner, EJ Sushi has an assortment of sized trays to help cater the event. The large trays contain 50-115 pieces of assorted rolls and sushi. For smaller shindigs, the 34-80 pieced mixed set might be the perfect option. For pricing information and to place an order, call 312-599-4575.

Wisma Offers January Savings and New Menu Items at the Chicago French Market

It’s widely known that Wisma is the perfect place to pop in during lunchtime to pick up a pre-made gourmet meal. During the month of January, Wisma at the Chicago French Market is extending savings to its loyal customers by offering 25% off all Wisma brand items every day and 50% off sandwiches on Tuesday and Thursday. These promotions are available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the sandwich offer running all day on Saturday. Some new and tasty menu items to try with this promotion are: Vegetable Lasagna ($11), Shells Carbonara ($9), and the Spicy BLT Sandwich ($9).

Bello Tea Offers Toast to a Healthier 2013 Tea Demos

Bello Tea at the Chicago French Market is introducing its first round of complimentary tea samplings and demos called “Toast to a Healthier 2013.” Owner Tammy Reddy is dedicated to educating the masses about the health benefits of tea and the different varieties to suit individual taste preferences. The demo series will take place on three days during the month of January, each with three timeslots available (see below for times). Class size is limited, to sign up visit the Bello Tea booth at the Chicago French Market or at bellotea.com. All participants will receive 10% off all Matcha and accessories after each session. 

January 12 and 26
Session 1 – 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Session 2 – 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Session 3 – 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
January 15
Session 1 – 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Session 2 – 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Session 3 – 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Live Music This January at the Chicago French Market

Thursday, January 10 – Lunch Hour Music with Annalee Hooson
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
A Chicago French Market favorite Annalee Hooson is back to perform her original and easy listening cover songs. Listening to a live performance by Hooson, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 10 is a perfect way to unwind during your lunch hour. 

Wednesday, January 16 – Lunch Hour Music with Dean Milano
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
Dean Milano is a songwriter, musician and the author of The Chicago Music Scene: 1960’s and 1971’s and will be playing a lunch hour concert at the Chicago French Market. Make you lunch hour special, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 16 by mixing up your work day with a special performance by a talented artist. 

Wednesday, January 30 – Lunch Hour Music with Matt Cantlon
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been singing and playing rock, pop and country music on his guitar for more than 20 years. In addition to doing solo acoustic gigs he also plays in the popular duo, The Acoustic Generation. Cantlon averages about 200 live performances a year and is a prolific song writer spanning a variety of genres. Catch him from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 30.

Vanille Patisserie to Offer Galette Des Rois Cake through January

To celebrate a time-honored tradition in France and throughout the world, Vanille Patisserie will be baking a special Galette Des Rois (Three Kings Cake). This specialty cake is part of a religious custom where a Feves or trinket is hidden inside, and the finder of the prize is named king or queen of the feast. Through the month of January, pick up Vanille’s Galette Des Rois, a crisp pastry filled with almond crème and baked with the imported Feve inside (8-inch cake $32).

Delightful Pastries Debuts Drunken Doughnuts and Butternut Squash Soup

Delightful Pastries has expanded its menu of sweet confections with the introduction of Drunken Doughnuts. The liquor infused selections are: Vanilla bean with Vodka Custard, Chocolate Custard made with a Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Passion Fruit with a Grand Marnier Jelly ($3 each).

Also, to warm up on those cold winter days, Delightful Pastries also has added a fun twist on a classic soup. The new gluten free Butternut Squash soup is made with a touch of chicken paste and comes with a piece of bakery fresh bread (16 oz. $4.75).

Three Kings Epiphany Cake Tasting at the Chicago French Market

Epiphany or Three Kings Day is being celebrated at the Chicago French Market. The Epiphany tradition is taken part in by many families across the world in a variety of ways. Some by moving their wise men closer to the crib each day that Epiphany nears. Other families exchange small presents to symbolize gifts that were bestowed by the three wise men. But most bake a special cake (Galette) with a hidden Feve or trinket. Come enjoy this French tradition, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. January 5 and receive a complimentary piece of Epiphany cake to see if you become the king or queen for the day.

Chicago French Market Celebrate the Holidays with Jinglefest December 15

Santa Claus is making a special appearance at the Chicago French Market for Jinglefest 2012, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 15. This fun filled family event features an opportunity for kids to have their picture taken with Santa.

Alan Jania a children’s author, also will be reading from his book The True Tale of Dasher (available for purchase for $19.95). To end on a sweet note, there will be holiday cookie decorating for kids. This fun event is sponsored by the Chicago French Market vendor Vanille Patisserie.

Chicago French Market Vendor Buen Apetito Announces New Menu Items

Buen Apetito debuts new dishes to its authentic Mexican menu.  The family-owned taqueria prides itself on bringing customers traditional Mexican favorites with a modern flair.

The new menu items provide a greater selection for market diners. The Tilapia Plate ($9.75) is topped with lettuce, tomato and ranchero sauce and is served with a side of rice and beans. The Vegetarian Plate ($8.25) is filled with fresh produce including red and green peppers, zucchinis, portabella mushrooms, onions, rice and beans.

Buen Apetito also has introduced an assortment of Enchiladas including: Succulent Steak, Savory Chicken, Sautéed Salmon, Grilled Tilapia, Sizzling Shrimp, Vegetarian Delight, and Cheese, available for $2.50 to $2.95 each, accompanied with red sauce, cheese and sour cream. Or try the Enchiladas Supreme which adds lettuce, tomato and avocado for $3.25 to $3.70.

Fulton River District Association Tree Lighting at the Chicago French Market December 8

Join the Fulton River District Association Neighborhood Tree Lighting ceremony on the concourse of the Chicago French Market, 3:30 p.m. December 8. The Skinner Elementary School choir will be on hand to sing classic Christmas songs along with several honored guests who will light the tree. This event is sponsored by The Chicago French Market, LavAzza Espression, Fulton River District, The True Tale of Dasher and Ovie Bar and Grill.

Musical Guests and a Holiday Wine Tasting at the Chicago French Market

Thursday, December 6 & 20 - Rush Hour Music with Annalee Hooson

Annalee Hooson

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Grab something to eat and drink and wind down your day with Annalee Hooson, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. December 6 and 20. She is a Chicago French Market favorite and will be performing many original pieces as well as popular easy listening cover songs. Hooson has been enchanting audiences with her jazz acoustic sounds since the age of 13. The Chicago French Market is proud to share her musical styling as a perfect way to wrap up the hectic day.

Steve Justman

Wednesday, December 12 - Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman     

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

 

Make your lunch more enjoyable with the Chicago French Market’s complimentary Lunch Hour Music. Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunch hour crowd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 12. He hails from the Chicago area and specializes in Americana music. Justman has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in the Chicagoland area and is excited to return to the market. 

Thursday, December 13 - Wine Tasting with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine is an European inspired neighborhood cheese shop at the Chicago French Market. In addition to featuring fine artisan cheeses from America and around the world, they also offer small production wines, freshly baked breads and a full complement of related items such as honeys, jams and olive oils. Continuing its monthly wine tasting series, Pastoral will sample varietals ideal for holiday entertaining needs, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. December 13. Its broad wine selection also makes great holiday gifts.