The free, open-to-the-public, weekend-long arts festival features more than 100 artists, open studios and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. Guests experience music, theater, food and drink on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. Stop by the Mayne Stage booth to meet the team behind-the-scenes. Visit www.glenwoodave.org for more information.
Chicago French Market has a party planned for students heading back to school, and the public is invited. Don't miss Chicago French Market’s Back To School Party, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 21.
"It only makes sense that we help celebrate the end of summer and the start of back-to-school season by offering specials and activities for families," says Sebastien Bensidoun, of the Bensidoun family, co-owners and operators of Chicago French Market. “The Market is community based, and an activity like the Back To School Party is just a sample of the type of events that we host to for this ever-growing neighborhood."
Children participating on August 21 will enjoy a balloon artist from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and coloring activities throughout the event. The first 170 children
at the market will receive a school supply gift, while supplies last. Parents and children alike will also enjoy the many product specials from Chicago French Market’s nearly 30 individual vendors, including Abbey Brown Soap Artisan’s “Teacher’s Pet” special: any organic lip balm and specialty soap for $6. Gramp’s Gourmet Foods will sell its hot dogs for just $2 throughout the day, while supplies last. Pick up Les Fleurs’ special Back to School Bouquet, an assortment of fresh seasonal flowers with a whimsical nod towards the coming school year ($25), which comes with a coupon for $5 off the next purchase of $25 or more at Les Fleurs (valid through September 30, 2010.)
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.
t of the Chicago Reader received a pleasant surprise when she visited Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550). “I was wowed by the fresh and flavorful food.” Schmidt writes, “Another surprise winner was the seafood boo-yah, bouillabaisse with shrimp, octopus, and the best bay scallops I've had since a trip to the east coast several years ago.”
shrimp cocktail with lots of chopped shrimp tossed with avocado, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a tangy tomato sauce, hit the spot.”
arket events grab media’s attention
Friday, August 13 is National Filet Mignon Day and to celebrate, chef Daniel Ovanin at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) has crafted a menu of weekend specials using ingredients sourced from local farmers to honor the day of the 'cute filet.' Enjoy these specials, offered after 5 p.m. Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14.