Chicago French Market October 2011 News & Events

Canady ready to debut fall candy for October

Patrons will find Canady Le Chocolatier not only at a new location, but also decorated with plenty of fall treats as October hits at the Chicago French Market. Owner Michael Canady said he plans to add a variety of tasty items unique to the autumn season that will have chocolate-lovers ready to indulge.

Canady Le Chocolatier won’t have the typical Halloween candy found in trick-or-treaters bags at the end of October, however. Instead patrons can enjoy treats teaming with European tradition and rich flavor and taste.

As patrons walk down the aisles they will see pumpkin-filled ganaches and chocolate marzipans specific to the fall season. Canady also will offer chocolate orange slices and chocolate ginger slices, which will surely leave customers feeling as if they can taste the ephemeral beauty that comes with the change of colors from summer to fall. Also changing will be the temperature, and to combat the cold chill of the Chicago air, apple cider and hot chocolate will be offered.

Canady’s shop in the Chicago French Market (131 N Clinton St # 5, Chicago) has been open for two years, with his main shop open for seven at 824 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago. He views his business as a craft. He’s studied in Switzerland and Belgium and came to love the art of making chocolate while living overseas. What sets Canady’s shop from other specialty chocolate shops is customers can see their delicious choice made right in front of their eyes. Canady doesn’t rely on imports and added that every delectable item has been crafted by his shop. For a chance to upgrade your chocolate tastes this fall beyond the typical Halloween candy, dropping in Canady Le Chocolatier is a must.

Celebrate Sweetest Day 
at Chicago French Market, October 15

Looking to get that special gift for a significant other? The Chicago French Market is the best place to get plenty of treats for that special someone. You can head to Canady Le Chocolatier if they are looking to satisfy their loved one’s sweet tooth. Customers also can collect a variety of European pastries at Vanille Patisserie. If you’re looking for more than just tasty treats, swing by Les Fleur and sweep her off her feet with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Also if you want to make a scrumptious dinner for your partner, pick up some of the freshest food at City Fresh Market and a bottle of wine at Pastoral Artisan Cheese and Wine. 

October 2011 
Chicago French Market Events Calendar

October 3, 2011

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 create 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

October 6, 2011 ---Listen to some bluegrass over a great meal

Avoid rush-hour traffic and listen to the eclectic sound of musician Dean Milano from 4 to 7 p.m. Milano plays anything from rock to bluegrass and has highlighted events including Milwaukee Summerfest and Taste of Chicago. Enjoy some of the freshest food in the Chicago-area and listen to his new album Typewritten and Burned. Visit http://www.anr-unlimited.com/site/artists/dean_milano/ to sample his songs!

October 6, 2011

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, (312) 575-0306) will be hosting their monthly wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. Savor several varieties of artisan wines for free!

October 10, 2011

Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, (312) 575-0306) will be closed all day Monday, Oct. 10th as their team travels to Wisconsin to visit different artisan cheese producers as they continue their education of this craft.  They will reopen to share their knowledge on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

October 12, 2011 --- Enjoy acoustic jams with Annalee Hooson

Join us for to listen to the soothing sound of acoustic jazz singer Annalee Hooson. The singer, who has enchanted audiences since she was 13, will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Listen as she plays a variety of tunes from her new album “Seul.” Annalee is playing as part of the Lunch Hour concert series. Check out https://www.facebook.com/annaleehooson to get more information about Hooson.

October 15, 2011

Interested in learning the art of the French Crepe? Join the Flip Crepes team as they teach the art of the French crepe during the Savory Couples Crepe Class from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Flip Crepes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, (312) 504-2541). This is a couple’s class so find a partner who wants to make savory crepes. Tickets cost $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets on-line www.flipcrepes.com.

  

October 15, 2011

Looking for a checkup on your health? Concentra Immediate Care and the Chicago French Market will be hosting a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Glucose testing, blood pressure screening and a question and answer from well-respected physician Dr. Scott A. Cole, M.D.  A health brunch will be offered as well as free games, prizes and face painting for kids and kids at heart. The event is free. Scott A. Cole, M.D. is the Center Medical Director for the Concentra Immediate Care center in Chicago, Ill.  Dr. Cole manages the all medical services provided in the center, and leads the center team, including staff physicians, mid-level providers, and supporting clinicians. He also serves as the primary contact for many client companies, ensuring consistent and ongoing communications with many businesses.  Dr. Cole joined the Concentra team in 2004.

October 18, 2011

                       

Enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting with Executive Chef Matt Riordan from Saigon Sisters (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, (312) 496-0094) from 12 to 1 p.m. The event is part of the “Dine around the Market” event and several dishes will be demonstrated followed by sampling of Chef Riordan’s contemporary Vietnamese creations. Chef Riordan brings extensive executive experience to his role and most recently was the Executive Chef at Pops for Champagne. 

October 20, 2011 --- Enjoy acoustic jams over dinner

Join us for to listen to the soothing sound of acoustic jazz singer Annalee Hooson. The singer, who has enchanted audiences since she was 13, will play from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Listen as she plays a variety of tunes from her new album “Seul.” As the week winds down, pick up dinner, something to drink and listen to the sweet sounds. Check out https://www.facebook.com/annaleehooson to get more information about Hooson.


October 22, 2011

Interested in learning the art of the French Crepe? Join the Flip Crepes team as they teach the art of the French crepe during the Savory Couples Crepe Class from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Flip Crepes (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, (312) 504-2541). This is a couple’s class so find a partner who wants to make savory crepes. Tickets cost $95 per couple. Purchase your tickets on-line www.flipcrepes.com.

October 26, 2011

Enjoy the melodic tunes of folk singer Steve Justman play all of his hits from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Justman hails from the Chicago-area and has performed live on WGN radio and specializes in performing Americana music. Justman is playing as part of the Lunch Hour concert series. Visit http://www.myspace.com/stevejustman to listen to some of Justman’s music.

October 29, 2011

Celebrate Halloween at the Chicago French Market

The Chicago French Market has teamed up with The Fulton River District Parent Networking Group to host a Halloween event. Kids of all ages are invited to come in costume and decorate a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Decorating Fair and Kids Costume Part from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for free. The event will be hosted by the Fulton River District Parents Networking Group and The Chicago French Market Adults will be able to carve their pumpkin followed by trick or treating in The Chicago French Market at 11:30 a.m. To ensure, that we have plenty of pumpkins, please RSVP your small pumpkins to decorate or large pumpkin to carve at www.parents@fultonriverdistrict.org.

What’s new in October?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming to 
Chicago French Market as fall begins:

Bowl Square

Bowl Square has created a convenient, healthy and fast method to enjoy their Korean delicacy called The “DOSIRAK” or the Korean Lunch box. Five different choices are all packaged in a compact box for your convenience. Choose from the Salad & Big Veggie Dumpling $4.00/each, the Salad & Chicken or Beef Dumpling $4.50/each, the Orange Chicken & Big Veggie Dumpling $7.50/each, the Orange Chicken & Chicken or Beef Dumpling $8.00/each or the Big Veggie Dumpling & Chicken or Beef Dumpling $5.50/each.  All of these five items can be paired with a rice container for an additional $1.50/each.

Canady Le Chocolatier

Canady Le Chocolatier will be relocating its booth.  As of the first week in October, Canady will move next to Saigon Sisters. To celebrate their move, they will be featuring home-made caramel apples. Customers can choose from peanuts, pecans and plain amazing caramel. They also will be featuring a pumpkin pie truffle, home-made pumpkin filled truffle enrobed in dark chocolate. (131 N Clinton St # 5, Chicago, (312) 454-8700)

City Fresh Market

City Fresh Market is pleased to share a new hot sandwich: the Potato Crushed Tilapia Sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onions and tartar sauce on a soft sandwich roll for only $5.99/each. (131 N Clinton St, Chicago, (312) 575-0230)

Lavazza Espression

Lavazza Espression is featuring two seasonal drinks: Pumpkin Choco Èspessone™, which is a double pleasure: the delicacy of a light pumpkin mousse combined with the intensity of hot Italian drinking chocolate. (131 N Clinton St, Chicago, (312) 207-0500)

Also savor the season with our Pumpkin Butter Latte, a comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk, and smooth espresso that delivers the perfect flavor.  Wrap your scarves around your neck and your hands around this seasonal specialty. (131 N Clinton St, Chicago, (312) 207-0500)

Les Fleurs

Les Fleurs has added Halloween gift items to their assortment; trick or treat bags, glittered skills for decorating your office or home and seasonal Halloween signs to be hung on your door as you welcome your trick or treaters.  Don’t forget the flowers for your holiday parties.  Choose from a wide variety of seasonal flowers: sunflowers, lilies or chrysanthemums, just to name a few. (131 N Clinton St, Chicago, (312) 463-1111)  

Provo’s Village Bakery

Provo’s Village Bakery will be celebrating the pumpkin in the month of October.  They will be featuring Pumpkin Bread $6.00/loaf and Pumpkin shaped sugar cookie $2.00/each. (131 N Clinton St, Chicago. (312)-207-1261)

Raw.

Raw recently launched a new bottled juice program. You can call ahead to order one of their new, raw, freshly-made beverages for pick-up. The sky is the limit for how you would like to have your drinks prepared. All juices are guaranteed to be the freshest and highest of quality. Raw. will make custom juices upon request! Your juice will come in custom-made bottles that are 100% recyclable and can be reused, returned and refilled!  We ask for a 24-hour notice via email or phone call for your order will be ready for pick up.  Visit www.chicagorawfood.com or call Raw. at 312.831-2729. (131 North Clinton Street Chicago,(312) 831-2729)

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will celebrate American Cheese Month in October with a number of special events at the Chicago French Market location and throughout the Chicago-area. Pastoral will help celebrate the first-ever Wisconsin Cheese Week, being held from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16. Pastoral’s staff will attend a two-day retreat in Wisconsin that will enhance Pastoral’s expertise in artisan cheese. A variety of free tastings and demos will also be held at the Chicago French Market, headed by artisan cheesemakers from Wisconsin.  For more information on Wisconsin Cheese Week, visit pastoralartisan.com.

Experience Good Karma this Sweetest Day

Looking for a Sweetest Day deal? Karma offers Sweetest Day specials in addition to the pan-Asian restaurant’s regular menu after 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17. Appetizer specials include: Shrimp Cocktail Salad, shaved iceberg lettuce, tear drop tomatoes and a fiery horseradish sauce ($11); and Asian Grilled Steak and Noodle Salad, grilled marinated flank steak atop field greens with apple, mint and Thai chilis ($10). Entrée specials include Tamarind Glazed Mahi-Mahi, seasoned and grilled served with baby bok choy and forbidden rice ($23); Sweet Miso Scallops, atop wheat soba noodles with asparagus and baby vegetables ($23); and Grilled Veal Chop, Asian pear demi glace and wok tossed vegetables ($29). Share a dessert with you sweetheart, like the special Warm Heart Shaped Chocolate Brownie, Tahitian vanilla ice cream with fresh berries and coconut crème ($10).

Sip the special Sweetest Day cocktail, Strawberry Kiss, Skyy Vodka, strawberry liqueur, a splash of sweet and sour and garnished with a strawberry ($8).

Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein) is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit http://www.karmachicago.com./

Indulge in Seasonal Sweetest Day Fare at Glen Prairie

Spend a seasonal-fare focused Sweetest Day at Glen Prairie, with a $35 three-course prix fixe meal available after 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Start the first course with a choice of either Baby Greens, poached pear, toasted pistachios, shaved red onion and balsamic truffle vinaigrette, or Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. For the second course, choose either Seared Sea Scallops, creamy polenta with aged white cheddar and green beans with tomatoes and almonds, or Iowa Farmed Bone-In Beef Ribeye, truffled Duchess potatoes, braised carrots and parsnips and natural jus. Dessert choices include either Flourless Chocolate Cake with vanilla bean gelato, or Sweet Potato Soufflé.

Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or www.glenprairie.com.

Celebrate Sweetest Day at Dine in the West Loop

Share Sweetest Day with a loved one with Dine’s three-course prix fixe menu, available Saturday, Oct. 17. For $45 per person or $90 per couple, begin with a choice of either Crab Bisque with crème fraiche or Mizuna and Frisee, cucumber, grape tomato, goat cheese and sweet lemon vinaigrette. For the main course, enjoy Surf & Turf, a petite filet with porcini mushroom red wine reduction, shrimp and crab wrapped with peppered bacon, sweet potato puree and asparagus. Indulge in Red Velvet Cake for Two for dessert.

Dine, the west loop’s 1940's inspired retro supper club and martini bar, serves American classics revived with a contemporary flair. Dine is open Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The martini lounge hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (312) 602-2100 or visit http://www.dinerestaurant.com./

Birch River Grill's Sweetest Day Celebration

Birch River Grill celebrates Sweetest Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, with two special dishes offered along with the restaurant’s regular contemporary American fare: Grilled Certified Angus Beef Rib Eye Filet, crispy Yukon Gold potato rounds, wild mushrooms and red wine demi glace ($28) and Seared Atlantic Cod, cumin scented Moroccan cous cous, steamed vegetable ragout and balsamic reduction ($19). Included with the purchase of any entrée any sweet treat off the Sweet Table, a Chef’s selection of desserts with coffee and tea, including Aunt Aggie’s Carrot Cake, Birch River Grill’s Famous Triple Chocolate Column and more.

Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Hours for the restaurant are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The lounge stays open one hour later. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill at (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Enjoy a Seafood-Filled Sweetest Day at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Love your Lobster? Celebrate Sweetest Day with your loved one and loved food at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, offering two lobster specials. Lotsa Lobster features six different delicious 1lb. live Maine lobster entrées. The entrées include: Laughing Lobster, steamed and finished with fresh ginger butter, served with stir fry canton noodles tossed with fresh mushrooms, peppers and Napa cabbage ($19.95); Stuffed Lobster, oven baked with crawfish stuffing served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); Angry Lobster, steamed with a spicy chili sauce and served with zucchini ribbons ($19.95); Cheesy Lobster, oven-baked and topped with melted Parmesan cheese and served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); N’Awlins Lobster, grilled and finished with creole spice and Orleans BBQ butter, served with fresh green beans and red potatoes ($19.95); and Lobster in a Pot, lobster steamed in a personal pot with jumbo shrimp, corn, red potatoes, onions and Andouille sausage in a lobster broth ($22.95). All Lotsa Lobster entrées are served with tasty garlic bread and a dinner salad, or Caesar salad can be added for an additional $2.95. If a Guest purchases one of the six lobster dishes, add an additional split lobster of the same type for $6.95.

Pappadeaux also offers All-U-Can-Eat live Maine lobster every Wednesday after 5 p.m. while supplies last ($44.95). All-U-Can-Eat lobster is limited availability, price subject to change, and is for dine-in only. Get it while it lasts!

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is located in Chicago’s western suburbs (921 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont, Ill.; 630-455-9846) and northwest suburbs (798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.; 847-228-9551). For more information or to join Pappadeaux’s e-mail club, visit http://www.pappadeaux.com/.

Birch River Grill Announces October Dining Deals

With temperatures dropping, it's time to head indoors to Birch River Grill to sample chef John Ayaleanos' award-winning Wild Game Chili, made with grilled tender bison ranch sirloin, Broadleaf Farms wild board, sausage, smokey tomato sauce and heirloom beans ($6 cup/$9 bowl).


October Prix Fixe Menu
Celebrate the beginning of fall and go easy on the wallet with Birch River Grill’s $20 prix fixe menu, offered daily after 11 a.m. in addition to the restaurant's regular menu in October.

Begin with an appetizer, choosing from the BRG Salad, baby greens, shredded Michigan carrots, beefsteak tomato wedges and seedless cucumber slices; the Granny Apple Onion Soup, paprika Parmesan croutons, Wisconsin Swiss and provolone cheese; or the Soup of the Day.



Entrée selections include a choice of either: Nueske Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin Chop, kiln dried sour cherry sauce, smashed Yukon gold potatoes and steamed green beans; Seared Herb Rubbed Tilapia, wild and saffron rice pilaf, butter glazed broccolini and lemon vinaigrette; or Basil Pesto Cream Linguine, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach and shaved Grana Padano Parmesan.

Finish off with Berry Sorbet, served with fresh berries, for dessert.

Dining Deals
The whole month of October, on Mondays – Fridays, Bud Light drafts are only $1.99 all day and appetizers are only $1.99, from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. The appetizers include Buffalo Hot Wings, carrots, celery sticks and Wisconsin blue cheese dipping sauce; Mozzarella Cheese Sticks served with a chunky marinara; Cheese Quesadillas, Wisconsin Monterey and cheddar cheese, cilantro cream and pico de gallo; Beer Battered Onion Rings served with a ranch dipping sauce; Popcorn Shrimp with a spicy Asian dipping sauce; Potato Skins, four skins filled with melted Wisconsin cheddar, crisp pepper bacon, sour cream and green onions; and Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms along with a horseradish sipping sauce.

Sweetest Day Celebration
Birch River Grill celebrates Sweetest Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a sweet table. The sweet table will be a Chef’s selection of desserts with coffee and tea offered with the purchase of an entrée on this day.

Halloween Drink Specials
Birch River Grill finishes off October right with spooky drink specials offered only on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. Specials include a Vampire’s Kiss, Grey Goose Vodka, Sapphire Gin, Patron Tequila, dry vermouth, tomato juice and a pinch of salt ($9); the Gremlin, Crown Royal and lime juice ($6); Devil’s Advocate, Bacardi Limon, Triple Sec, sour mix, cranberry juice and a splash of grenadine ($6); and Wicked Witch Cider, Captain Morgan and hot apple cider ($6).

Birch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food at 75 W. Algonquin Rd. in Arlington Heights. For reservations or more information, please contact Birch River Grill at (847) 427-4242 or visit www.birchrivergrill.com.

Celebrate Sweetest Day with Kurman's Clients

If you can look past the obvious Hallmark creation of Sweetest Day, (hitting us upside the head this Saturday, October 18) and just appreciate it for what it is (an excuse to be taken out for a romantic dinner, and indulge in delicious sweets) then you’ve come upon the perfect post. We’ve highlighted the best of what’s out there for Sweeties on Sweetest Day:

Birch River Grill (75 W Algonquin Rd, Arlington Hts, IL; (847) 427-4242) (BRG) has the lovely look of an upscale wintry snow lodge. It makes you just want to park yourself on the plush seats and eat till your heart’s content. Order the Rock Shrimp Scampi Linguini ($16) and try not to relive Lady and the Tramp’s pasta scene with your loved one. Save room for the Aunt Aggie’s Carrot Cake for Two ($10) – BRG’s signature dessert. A 3-layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and candied walnuts served on its very own pedestal. Can you say: adorable?

Deerfields Bakery (3 locations: 813 N. Waukegan Rd, Deerfield; 201 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove; 25 South Roselle Rd, Schaumburg) is a fantastic spot for all those Sweeties with Celiac Disease; Deerfields specializes in all things delicious, from chocolate croissants to cakes to deli salads but they have a special line for Gluten-Free goods, such as cookies, cakes and pastries. People with Celiac Disease deserve sweets too!

Dine (733 W Madison St Chicago, IL; 312-602-2111) in downtown Chicago, is a classic American eatery, with a decidedly glamorous style. Indulge in the Daily Selection Cold Water Oysters ($13), a time-honored aphrodisiac, served with Appropriate Garnish. Also on the menu is the Portobello Mushroom Ravioli ($15) in an Herb Broth, with Sweet Peas and Parmesan. Gracie's Red Velvet Cake, layered and large enough for two, is a gorgeous dessert; Cream Cheese Frosting, Pecan Praline, and Vanilla Scented Strawberries are all amazing on their own, but together, they are perfection.

Karma (510 E Il Route 83, Mundelein, IL; 847-970-6900), an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant, sporting a very modern and romantic flair features a Sticky Five Spice and Honey Glazed Spare Ribs appetizer ($9) served with Sweet Potato Matchsticks. This sweet and spicy starter, with layered textures and tastes, is sure to get the heart beating. The Chocolate Moelleux Cake ($8), accompanied by minted cream and red current coulis, is a satisfyingly sweet way to end the romantic evening.

MORE (1 E Delaware Pl, Chicago; 312-951-0001) is a chic boutique cupcakery that looks like a jewelry store, but instead of diamonds, this spot dishes out gems of cupcakes. The flavors are meals in themselves: Fig, Blue Cheese and Port; Valhrona Chocolate, Crème Brulee. If your Sweetie can be somewhat salty at times, bring home a Salted Caramel cupcake ($3.50), Moist vanilla cake surrounding an eruption of buttery salted caramel, blanketed by a silky caramel Italian meringue buttercream, garnished with black lava salt.

Tallulah (4539 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; 773-942-7585), intimate and lovely, Tallulah is a fantastic date place. Order the Red Wine Braised Pot Roast ($19), served with Braised Leeks, Mashed Parsnip, and Chervil Jus and wait for the apple of your beloved’s cheeks to get all rosey from the red wine. A must for Sweetest Day dessert would be the Ancho Chile and Chocolate Mousse ($7) with Roasted Banana Bisque; it’s hard to beat spicy and sweet.