Chicago French Market: A market with a European flair
In the West Loop resides the Chicago French Market, a one-stop shopping haven offering fine cheeses, wine, olives and raw foods. With over 30 specialty vendors from all over the world, experience Europe’s finest epicurean delights without leaving the confines of the city.
The market’s nestled in the Ogilvie Transportation Center's MetraMarket, the same building as the Metra train. The space is divided into individual kiosks selling pastries, candies, flowers and even crepes. Commuters can grab food to go before catching their train or dine in the small cafeteria area. Options for breakfast, lunch and dinner abound including fresh ingredients for cooking at home or grab-and-go meals for picnics in the park.
The Bensidoun family started the Chicago endeavor last year after developing a line of markets in Paris in the ‘50s. The family runs over a 100 markets throughout the U.S and Europe, so they’re truly experts in European sensibilities.
Most farmer’s markets are seasonal, but this indoor market lasts year round. Local farms sells organic and vegan foods, a RAW bar concocts real, raw fruit smoothies and Les Fleurs flower shop arranges fresh flowers. Some stalls are very specific such as Canady Le Chocolatier that concentrates on chocolates from Switzerland and a Belgian beer and fries place called Frietkoten, while other places run the spectrum in coffee, gelato, breads, pastas and deli salads.
Ethnic restaurants of Mexican, Korean, Vietnamese and Indian introduce crowds to indigenous foods and a deli sells duck, tallgrass beef, squid and live lobsters by the pound.
HelloChicago Tip: Besides cookies and meats, customers can purchase fresh fruits and veggies from the produce section and even pick out a fine wine to complement a smelly cheese.
Posted by Garin Pirnia
