Chicago French Market: A Real Taste of Chicago
I’ve seen a lot of publicity on the recently opened Chicago French Market, but hadn’t visited yet. Friday I was in the neighborhood so I entered the name into my iPhone, got directions, and voila! a short 10 minute walk later I was standing in the concourse of the Metra train station. Why hadn’t all the PR simply said the Chicago French Market is in the Metra North station: instead of advertising MetraMarket, Randolph and Clinton, and other location descriptions. No matter: I found it.
Live in Chicago? Work in Chicago? Just visiting? Go to the French Market: The French Market is an indoor fresh produce, prepared foods and specialties market comprised of independent vendors selling
- breads and pastries
- cheese
- meats
- fruits and vegetables
- pasta
- gelatos, smoothies and juices
- coffee and teas
- soaps
- nuts and candies
- flowers
- complete meals to eat there or take home
What’s special about the French Market? The availability of high quality fresh local produce and prepared local ethnic foods in a clean, conveniently-located indoor community marketplace. This is the real taste of Chicago!
What’s French about it? I lived in Paris for 7 years, and I think the only thing French about it is that the owners also run markets in and around Paris. The foods aren’t French, and it doesn’t have the vibe of an outdoor French market. It’s European inspired: it’s definitely not your typical American grocery store. Again: no matter, it’s a great urban indoor fresh and ethnic food market. Fresh produce and prepared meals year-round! What it did remind me of is the Food Concourse at Grand Central Station in NYC: a great indoor food market for commuters, nearby office workers, and people who live in the area.
the details:
Chicago French Market 131 N. Clinton (btwn Randolph and Washington) www.frenchmarketchicago.com Monday – Friday 7am – 7:30 pm Saturday 8:30am – 6pm 15 minute parking zone and validated parking availableMoi tip: Commuters: leave work a few minutes early and take a ready-made dinner home tonight! Bring home a bag of fresh fruit, take some holiday pastries into the office to share, or buy a bouquet to brighten up your desk. Make the French Market a regular part of your commuter routine.
Moi tip encore: Be on the lookout for special promotions involving the Chicago French Market. In addition to the Chicago Loop Art Crawl artwork on display, the French Market is sponsoring a Passport to Paris contest for a trip for 2 to Paris. I didn’t see a word about it at the Market, but if you dig deep enough, it’s on their website.
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Contest ENDS October 30th !
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