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.

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.

Healthy Holiday Gifts from Oh Olive at the Chicago French Market

Black Cherry Balsamic Brownies

Oh Olive, the olive oil authority at the Chicago French Market, is offering a variety of holiday bundles perfect for gift giving. The Butter Oil Popcorn Basket is a complete kit at $21.95. The natural, organic and vegan basket contains Oh Olive’s Butter Oil, popcorn and the shop’s gourmet seasoning blend. Whether shopping for family, friends, teachers or coworkers, this basket is the perfect healthy and delicious gift. Call ahead to reserve your basket and it will be ready to grab and go on your way home.

 The shop also is featuring its Black Cherry Balsamic for $17.95. When you pick up a bottle this holiday season, you will receive a complimentary recipe for Oh Olive’s signature Black Cherry Balsamic Brownies.

Tiesta Tea Holiday Special

Looking for a holiday spin on your favorite wines and juices? Oh Olive has created a blend of traditional mulling spices ($12.95) to dress up apple cider and cranberry juice for a tasty holiday drink. Also, pick up the Tiesta Tea Holiday Special at 3 for $21 containing the Oh Olive Blend, Minty Winter and Nutty Almond Crème ($3 savings).

Celebrate the Holidays with Kurman clients!

Feeling uninspired with your holiday plans this year? Let Kurman clients step in to deliver some holiday cheer! From visits with Santa to delectable and exciting New Year's Eve menus, everyone can find something to enjoy.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Ribeye Steak & King Crab,
one of their New Year's Eve Nights entrées

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio St., Chicago,IL 60611; 312-329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069;847-793-0333) is hosting New Year’s Nights December 29, 30 and 31. In conjunction with their regular menu, Fleming’s is offering a special New Year’s Nights menu. Their New Year’s Nights Entrees are $69.95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). This menu includes Filet Mignon & Prawns, Filet mignon on a bed of sautéed portobello mushrooms and smoky bacon, paired with crab-stuffed prawns and a lemon garlic butter sauce; Prime Ribeye Steak & King Crab, Broiled ribeye Oscar-style, topped with butter-poached king crab, grilled asparagus and champagne béarnaise sauce, served with a sweet potato quenelle; and Lobster & Lobster, Colossal North Atlantic lobster tail with drawn butter, served with lobster mac & cheese

Fleming's Sparkling Star cocktail

Fleming’s is also offering Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne (rated 91 pts. in Wine Spectator) by the glass ($20) and by the magnum ($200). Fleming’s champagne cocktail for the evening is the Sparkling Star, developed by wine director Maeve Pesquera. Maeve developed a sparkling wine cocktail that will tickle your nose and put a twinkle in your eye. Since she’s pouring a California sparkler, Chandon étoile Brut, and the word "étoile" is French for "star," she calls the cocktail, Sparkling Star. This cocktail is available for $10.95 a glass.

Francesca’s Restaurants

Santa Visits Francesca’s

Santa Claus is coming to Francesca’s. Francesca’s Tavola (208 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) hosts a Santa Breakfast Saturday, December 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be arts and crafts projects at the restaurant that morning and a coloring contest while Santa walks through and visits tables. Sunday, December 11th from 4-6 p.m., Santa will visit Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890). Santa will sit on a big chair next to the tree and listen to your kids’ wish list. Then, enjoy a great holiday family meal at Francesca’s.  La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706) hosts Santa Sunday, December 18 from 5-7 p.m. Kids will have the opportunity to visit Santa during their dinner.

Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063) features live Christmas carols by Jim Guter's Duo on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. through December 21. Their delightful holiday serenading is a great addition to your dinner!

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890) is participating in Frankfort’s Midnight Madness Friday, December, 16. Local downtown shops will be open late for holiday shopping. After you get something for everyone on your list, come into Francesca’s and enjoy a bottle of wine for 20% off. 

Toys for Tots

You can help children in your community have a great Christmas and on your next visit to Francesca’s this holiday season. Francesca’s Campagna (127 W. Main St. West Dundee, IL 60118; 847-844-7099) is spreading good will this holiday season by participating in Toys for Tots. Donate a new toy December 5 through 24 and get a $10 gift certificate redeemable during the month of January 2012. Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) is also participating in Toys for Tots this season. When you bring a new, unwrapped toy to the restaurant, the restaurant will give you a free appetizer.

All Francesca’s restaurants locations and Davanti Enoteca (1359 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607; 312-226-5550) will be open on New Year’s Eve.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato (73 Green Bay Road, Glencoe, IL 60022; 847-205-4433) is offering a family-friendly a la carte menu on New Year’s Eve and is open until midnight. They are also featuring a prickly pear margarita for the holiday.

Prairie Fire/Prairie Grass Cafe

Both Prairie Fire Restaurant (215 N. Clinton, Chicago, IL 60661; 312-382-8300) and Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062) will both be open on New Year’s Eve with their a la carte menu. Kids are welcome.. New Year's Eve hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.