The Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) announces the opening of Lafayette featuring Creole-Cajun cuisine this November and offers a full schedule of fall activities including the return of Chicago French Market’s popular Marché de Noel, November 4 to December 20 and its special Beaujolais Nouveau celebration November 23. Specials, wine tastings, new menu items, food holiday celebrations and live noon-time and after work entertainment abound this November.
About Lafayette. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Chef Sahil’s tastes and smells have
always given him fond memories of the south. Many years later after meeting Chef Hiran, at the footsteps of Veerasway, the two have shared a similar path in the culinary world. Since then, they’ve shared each other’s vision and approach to global cuisine. For them it means traveling and immersing themselves in regional cuisines and cultures, then to refine it in their own style. On their most recent journey they traveled back to retrace the origins of Sahil’s culinary career. The two spent time learning, exploring, and working in the kitchens of the South to bring back authentic flavors of Creole/Cajun cuisine.
“Our travels gave us so much more than just a taste of Creole cuisine,” says Patel. “It gave us a look at the fresh regional products that we want to emulate here in Chicago as well a connection with the traditions of the South. With learning timeless recipes and our undying passion for Creole-Cajun cuisine, these traditional dishes will now live on at Lafayette.”
Chicago French Market November 2013 Specials and Deals
Abbey Brown Artisan Soaps Beloved Pumpkin Soap Now in Stock
Abby Brown Artisan Soaps will be featuring its Pumpkin Bars this month. A perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holidays at only $8.50 per bar, Abbey Brown Soap Artisan creates handmade natural Olive Oil soaps, soothing body oils and relaxing bathing essentials. They make all of their fine products in house, infusing homegrown herbs and botanicals with pure essential oils.
Bello Tea Introduces Ginger Bread Tea Latte This November; Invites You to Attend
Discovery Channel Filming November 6
Bello Tea celebrates its first anniversary by offering 10 percent off on all Loose Leaf Tea and Accessories from November 11 to 16. Bello Tea also will be celebrating the season with their featured November Tea: Ginger Bread Tea Latte is a delicious blend of Tea, Ginger Bread, sweetener and milk. Having a hot cup of Bello Tea is the perfect warmer-upper on chilly fall days. Customize your Latte with Black Tea, Masala Chai or Matcha and choose from Bello Tea’s milk options: whole, 2%, skim, almond, soy and coconut milk are available as well as standard cream. The Latte can be served iced or hot.
Chicago French Market guests are invited to the filming of The Discovery Channel, 
“How Do They Do It” 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 6. The Discovery Channel will be featuring the story of ‘Bubble Tea’. To show its appreciation, Bello Tea will be giving customers complimentary Tapioca with any drink purchase, the entire day.
Bello Tea offers more than 90 varieties of organic, traditional, and fair trade loose leaf teas and herbals. In addition to these delicious and healthy choices, it carries beautiful and stylish tea pots, mugs, cups, and infusers, perfect for holiday gifts.
Delightful Pastries Introduces Expanded Pie Menu for Thanksgiving
Bring home delicious, homemade pies from Delightful Pastries for all to enjoy this Thanksgiving. Whatever is your fancy, Delightful Pastries’ new expanded pie menu will have something to suit your taste. Included are traditional selections like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie and the not so traditional Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge, Coconut Chocolate, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan. All pies ($25) serve 8-10 people; are made from scratch and use no artificial flavors or preservatives.
For those entertaining for the weekend, pick up a breakfast/brunch savory pie such as the Spinach Lamb ($58), Veggie Quiche ($42), or Ham Quiche ($42). Other items on Delightful Pastries’ to go catering menu include: winter and grain salads, mini-pastry trays, international cookie trays and brownie trays. Pre-orders are recommended and package pricing is available. Orders may be placed at the Chicago French Market location at 131 N. Clinton Ave. (phone: 312-234-9644).
Celebrate Georgia Pecan Month this November with Delightful Pastries
Whether you pronounce it “pee-can” or “pah-cahn,” this nutritious nut can be used as a healthy snack, a delicious ingredient to a meal, or even as a dessert. Pecans are a high-quality source of protein with nineteen vitamins and minerals, and more antioxidants than any other nut variety. Did you know that pecans are the only tree nut truly native to the United States and that pecan trees are one of the largest fruit-bearing trees?
Looking for a pecan holiday fix? Check out how Delightful Pastries is celebrating Georgia Pecan Month with a variety of offerings including Cranberry Pecan Bread ($5), Paradise Brownies ($3.50), Pecan Squares ($3.50), Pecan Praline Brownies ($3.50), Pecan Sables ($3.50), German Chocolate Cake ($42/8-inch; $5.25/slice), Chocolate Nut Pebbles ($6.50/bag), Chocolate Pecan Pie ($45/8-inch; $5.25/slice) and Pecan Caramel Turtles ($27/pound).
Pecan treats are available at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton Ave.; phone: 312-234-9644).
EJ Sushi Introduces Bento Boxes
EJ Sushi is now selling Bento Boxes, a single-portion home-packed meal that is common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickles, cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. These containers are made of hand crafted lacquer ware. EJ Sushi Bento Box contains Ginger Salad or Cucumber Salad and Miso Soup with Teriyaki Beef $10.95 or Teriyaki Chicken $9.95.
Lavazza Espression Features Pumpkin Specials This November
Pumpkin Cheese Cake $4.50
Pumpkin, Butter Pecan, and Sea Salt Caramel Gelato
Single Scoop: $2.60
Double Scoop: $3.95
Gelato Pint: $8.95
Pumpkin Butter Latte $3.65
A nostalgic blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk, and smooth espresso. Wrap your scarves around your neck and your hands around this seasonal specialty.
Pumpkin Butter $5.95
Caramel Apple Cider $3.10-$3.90
Fresh apple cider infused with caramel and steamed to perfection.
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Showcasing Thanksgiving WinesThanksgiving Wines
They would be lying if they said they weren’t thinking about wine all the time. So it’s no surprise that they’ve been thinking about their favorite Thanksgiving wine pairings since last year! Stop by Pastoral throughout the month of November to get a wine recommendation or sample some of Pastoral’s Benchmark Wine selections during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. They’ll help you find the right bottle for dinner, desert, or for gifts.
Pastoral’s 2013-14 Gift Catalog is now available!
Whether you’re thanking a client for their business, sending a gift to a far-away loved one, or bringing a hostess gift to dinner, Pastoral has your gifting needs covered. Stop by the store for a copy of our new catalog today! Orders can be placed in-store, online or by phone. Local delivery and nationwide shipping is available!
Oh Olive! features Wild Mushroom and Sage Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Special 10 Percent Shopping Discount on Wednesdays This MonthGetting in the mood for Thanksgiving and all the holidays? Stop at Oh Olive! French Market and sample its delicious Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil. Oh Olive! suggests drizzling the Wild Mushroom and Sage extra virgin olive oil over turkey before roasting and using it to make delicious and unique rye bread turkey dressing. Oh Olive! chefs also suggest serving a side of Cinnamon Pear Sweet Potatoes. Recipes are available at Oh Olive! at the French Market. Enjoy a special 10 percent discount on shopping any Wednesday in November. Just say, “I love Oh Olive!” to get the discount.
Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna Introduces New Steak & Potato Lasagna; Holiday Catering Orders
Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna introduces its new lasagna, Steak & Potato Lasagna. The Steak & Potato Lasagna will be featured on November 13 with sample tastings and packaged “to go” for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
November is a great time to place orders for lasagna and pasta for corporate events, family gatherings and more with Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna & Pasta for the holiday season. This month’s featured gourmet lasagnas and pastas include: Mande’s Mac N Cheese; Lasagna selections – Ground Turkey, Vegetable, Chicken, and Sausage. Deadline for placing holiday orders is Friday, November 22.
Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna offers daily Hot Grab n Go Specials. Purchase hot, out the oven (Ground Turkey, Sausage, Vegetable, or Chicken) lasagna for original price and a second lasagna costs just $5.
Sam’s offers complimentary samples daily at the Chicago French Market from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Chicago French Market November 2013 Events
Saturday, November 2
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Dean Milano
Singer and songwriter Dean Milano engages in storytelling through his preferred medium, music. Having mastered many styles of music, Milano effortlessly moves between the musical genres of folk, country, rock, ballads, bluegrass and pop. He spent four years touring with The New Seekers and has been the opening act for the Spencer Davis Group, Bo Diddley, The Kingston Trio in addition to many others. Come listen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 2 at the Chicago French Market.
Monday, November 4 – December 20
8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary
Marché de Noel
The Marché de Noel is a holiday feature of the Chicago French Market. Nineteen rotating visiting artisans selling unique gift items will display and sell their wares daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through December 20.
Modeled after French Christmas markets, Marché de Noel provides a fantastic atmosphere and unique shopping options, not to mention the opportunity to find those gifts for everyone on your list.
The Marché de Noel at the Chicago French Market also offers shoppers the opportunity to do all their holiday shopping in one location. Artists will sell jewelry, kids’ items, wall decor, photographs, toys and many more gift options. A variety of new items will be featured at the Chicago French Market during this time as well.
The Marché de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Fredrick II of Saxony. The Marché de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today. It has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.
Wednesday, November 6
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Cary Kanno
Cary “CKP” Kanno is constantly in search of new musical frontiers. He has been playing guitar and singing for more than 15 years. Cary wrote his first song at age 12 and has been a prolific songwriter and performer ever since. In 2001, he formed the seminal organic hip hop group know as Abstract Giants. The band is still actively recording and playing shows throughout the Midwest.
In 2004, Cary decided he needed another creative outlet to express his rock and funk interests and formed the group Doko Benjo. This 8-piece band features Cary on lead vocals along with a female singer and horn section.
In January of 2009, Cary simultaneously released his two solo CD’s, simply called “Cary Kanno One” and “Cary Kanno Two”. Both were recorded and produced primarily at CKP studios, Cary’s home studio.
Recently a song Cary wrote and performed was picked up and licensed by the Showtime Network and featured in a commercial for the TV show “Weeds.” Cary has also spearheaded the organization known as “The Chicago Drop,” which is a collaboration of eight hip hop bands in Chicago.
Enjoy his music during lunch hour entertainment at Chicago French Market, Wednesday, November 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 14
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Coast to Coast Toast
Pastoral Artisan Wine & Cheese
Beer Tasting
Pastoral celebrates the 32nd birthday of Vanburg & Dewulf, the innovative import company bringing Belgium’s most unique and exceptional brews to the United States and will be featuring Brouwerij Slagmuylder’s uber tradtional Wiktap Pater Tripel Abbey Ale.
Saturday, November 16
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Lee Barrie
Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists. Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.
These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit “Funkytown” in the late 70’s. Barrie’s evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.
Barrie’s idea for a “virtual band project, in which he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks, evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.
A lunch hour featuring the live music of Lee Alec Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 16 is sure to be an energizing and memorable experience.
Wednesday, November 20
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Steve Justman
Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunchtime crowds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 20. Justman has been performing Americana, folk, and popular music in the Chicago area and the neighboring Midwest region for many years. He is a collector of songs as well as other artifacts of Americana. Influenced by entertainers of all types, Steve showcases his collection of songs in his performances, singing and interpreting a mix of traditional and popular folk, pop standards, and classic country that people might know while focusing on connecting with his audience and pure entertainment.
He has performed and appeared live on WGN radio on Rick Kogan’s Sunday Papers show as well as WDCB Public Radio’s Folk Fest with Lilli Kuzma. He also has appeared on Internet and college radio stations as well as local cable television. Chicago French Market is excited for his return.
Thursday, November 21
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary
The annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau is truly an international event. Celebrate this year’s arrival with Pastoral during a complimentary tasting from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21. Be sure to ask your Pastoral cheese monger to recommend some cheese and salami to accompany this year’s unique batch!
Saturday, November 23
Beaujolais Nouveau
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Complimentary
It’s time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau at The Chicago French Market! This French tradition begins at midnight on the third Thursday in November. You are invited to taste this young wine from the fields in France: Beaujolais Nouveau. The grapes used for this wine were on the vine in August, picked in September, in the barrel in October and in the bottle in November. While you taste this young wine, stroll through the market and experience 32 unique vendors specialties.
Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving
The Chicago French Market will be closed
Saturday, November 30
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Complimentary
Lee Barrie
Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists. Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.
These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit “Funkytown” in the late 70’s. Barrie’s evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.
Barrie’s idea for a “virtual band project,” in which he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks, evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.
A lunch hour featuring the live music of Lee Alec Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 30 is sure to be an energizing and memorable experience.
# # #
Bistro Voltaire (226 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago IL; 312-265-0911), Chicago’s most romantic French bistro nestled in the heart of River North, is offering a special three course Prix Fixe Menu for Valentine’s Day curated by Chef Farid Oualidi. The first course offers a choice between Risotto aux arômes de truffes (truffle scented risotto and porcini mushrooms), Salade de Jambon et melo (fresh melon and cured ham salad, parmesan tuile and port reduction), Potage d’asperges a lachaire de crabe (asparagus veloute topped with crab meat) and Huîtres gratinées (baked fresh oysters with Champagne Sabayon).
On Valentine’s Day, Maxwell’s at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St. Chicago IL) is offering a Prix Fixe four course meal, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You and your guest will be treated to an appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Appetizers include the choice of Pan Roasted Scallops and Cocoa Crusted Pulled Pork. Types of salads available include Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese and Baby Red Romaine. The entrée course will feature Petite Filet and Lobster Tail, Pan Roasted Snapper, Roasted New York Strip Loin and Rotisserie Amish Chicken.
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd. Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) is the perfect 
For an affordable, organic and local dining option for Valentine’s Day, Wisma at the 
This Valentine’s Day your loved one might be expecting chocolates or a fancy night on the town. But you can give her a lifetime of perfect vision with Lasik from Doctors for Visual Freedom (875 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-291-9957). With an office in the John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile, Dr. Golden is one of the earliest pioneers in the techniques of Lasik, having performing over 23,000 procedures.
