The 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. The market is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and closed on Sunday.
Located within the new MetraMarket development between Washington and Randolph Streets, the Chicago French Market offers complimentary garage parking with entrances at 164 N. Canal St. and 165 N. Clinton St. for one hour or less with a minimum purchase of $20 or more (receipt required).
As the best introduction to the Market, I would recommend you take Aure'lie Brown's tour. Aure'lie is a French native, relocated to Chicago, and the tour curator of Food Pyrenees. Her knowledge and passion make this tour one of the best in Chicago for out of towners and Chicagoans alike. In the tour, you will be able to visit the vendors and sample what is available - a good insider's tour.
Of course, you can also check out the market on your own. On Saturday, February 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eurofest 2013 is a free event which will showcase the European fare, artisan vendors and specialty food products located within the Chicago French Market. This will include tastings of some of the market's unique European inspired culinary scene.
Some of the featured items are: English Tea Lattes from Bello Tea and Italian Olive Oils from Oh Olive. City Fresh Market will offer a mix of Bureks and European Sausage and Cakes. Vanille Patisserie will feature its French Macarons and Wisma will offer Beef Stroganoff, Linguini with Italian Sausage Ragu. You can also sample Lavazza Espression's Affogato al Caffe, The Hot Dog Guy's Ditka Spicy Polish Sausage and The Spicy Monkey's Brunswick Stew.
Explore the many foods and beverages while you listen to cultural music and watch demonstrations throughout the day. No passport needed.
