From the inbox...Chicago's French Market

If you are looking for holiday gifts for the foodie in your life, the Chicago French Market has you covered. In the inbox today was this information on what you'll find at the French Market this month!


Chicago French Market is a One Stop Shop for All 
Holiday Needs This December 2013

Whatever the occasion - holiday party, home entertaining, family, friend and employee gifts - there's something for everyone at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) this December.

December 2013 Specials and Features

 
Abbey Brown Soap Artisan at the Chicago French Market has introduced three new Chicago Neighborhood soaps, just in time for holiday gift giving. Featuring three neighborhoods, West Loop, Gold Coast and West Town, soaps are a wonderful gift to keep on hand and to use as stocking stuffers. Neighborhood soaps are creatively wrapped and offer some of Abbey Brown's most popular scents. Neighborhood soaps are priced at $5 each. Also new for the season is itsChocolate Mint soap priced at $8.50.
 
 
 
City Fresh Market "Party Trays" will help make hosting holiday parties easy. Choose from Fruit, Veggie or Cheese; trays are custom made and priced accordingly.

City Fresh Market also has added a variety of homemade cakes, only $29.99 each, as well as cake by the slice for $3.99 each.  All cakes are shaped in City Fresh Market's signature square shape for easy cutting and to insure that everyone gets a similar piece.

City Fresh Market Fishmonger Eric is ready for all of your holiday fish needs. The fish market offers a variety of fresh seafood, including live lobster, and fish and daily specials.


Delightful Pastries Makes Holiday Entertaining Easy
It's the end of a wonderful year. In addition to holiday celebrations with family, friends and neighbors, workplace parties, New Year's Eve, and all of those food gifts you give and receive, there is a litany of national food holidays that are, well, almost obligatory.
 
December is National Fruit Cake Month; December 27 is National Fruit Cake Day - Delightful Pastries Offers Modern Selections with Creative Twists
 
ET - fuit_nut_cake-Delightful
Fruit Cake fans (you know who you are), this month's for you. December is National Fruit Cake Month. Delightful Pastries offers delicious variations including its holiday breads. Throw away any of your pre-conceived notions. Most ethnic groups have their favorite recipe for fruit and nut bread and Delightful Pastries' modern take is as refreshing as it is delicious. Try something new this year, like:Stollen ($20). A traditional German stollen includes candied orange peel, raisins, and almonds and is filled with marzipan. The English prefer a traditional fruit cake and Delightful Pastries gives it a modern twist, Cognac Fruit Cake ($20) is soaked in Cognac and Grand Marnier which make the taste of all the fruit and nuts come alive. Another modern twist on a traditional, Royal Gingerbread ($14), is filled with hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, raisins and candied orange peel; the entire bread is dipped in chocolate.

Pick a day in December. Chances are there's a Pie to Celebrate. December 1 is National Pie Day; December 3 is National Apple Pie Day; December 25 is Pumpkin Pie Day
 
burbon pecan pie
December 1 has been set aside as National Pie Day. In additional to Delightful Pastries' broad selection of full and mini individual pies, they've added two new choices just in time for the holidays. Joining the roundup, including Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan and other favorites, are a Key Lime Pie ($30), a deep dish pie made with real key lime juice, extra smooth and creamy, serving 14 and Cranberry Fudge Pie ($25), a graham cracker crust filled with chocolate and topped with cranberries, a study in sweet and sour contrasts.
 

Celebrate National Eggnog Month with Delightful Pastries' Tasty Spiked Eggnog

Delightful Pastries suggests keeping eggnog on hand during the holidays for those unexpected guests or to enjoy a lazy evening by the fireplace. Rum Eggnog ($14.99) is a real treat. For those of you who have not had it, it is spiked liberally with rum. Available at the Chicago French Market and Wells Street location only.

December 4, National Cookie Day Celebrated at Delightful Pastries
 
It makes perfect sense that December 4 is National Cookie Day. Celebrating the holidays and cookies go hand in hand. Delightful Pastries offers a wonderful selection of cookies, including tried and true holiday favorites enjoyed by many family traditions. If you're a fan of Linzer, Mexican Wedding, Viennese, Kolaczki, Italian Rainbow, Rugelach and more, you'll be glad to know that all Delightful Pastries cookies use pure butter and are free of preservatives. Enjoy them by the pound or create a custom mixed sample holiday tray. You can't go wrong serving or gifting these during the holidays. For complete listing of available cookies, visit here.
 ET - Buche de Noel Yule Log
Treat your guests to a French-style Christmas
 
Your guests will be thrilled with Delightful Pastries' Buche de Noel($40). This traditional French Yule log is genoise-filled with chocolate ganache, and decorated with marzipan mushrooms and holly berries. Buche de Noel also makes for a terrific gift, as does an assortment of traditional Macarons.

Delightful Pastries Gift and Entertaining Suggestions

In a quandary over what to buy? You can't go wrong with a delightful gift. Don't go empty handed and don't be caught off guard. Keep a supply of homemade cookies, jams, and assorted platters to create gift baskets, use as stocking stuffers, and for entertaining.

ET - delight pastries_71The Butter Cookie Christmas Tree ($35) makes for a perfect centerpiece. Butter cookies are filled with apricot preserves, decorated with royal icing and holiday ornaments made out of sugar. Keep several International Cookie Trays ($35) on hand. Perfect for office parties and family entertaining, this fabulous tray is filled with kolaczki, Sicilian fig cucidatis, Viennese almond crescents, rugelach, peppermint meringues, linzers, Christmas mice, French macarons, Mexican wedding cookies and sugar cookies. The Petit Pastry Tray(Small, $40; Large, $80) is an assortment of petit pastries such as éclairs, fruit tarts, tiramisu, panna cotta, chocolate mousse and berry cup, cannoli, financier and more.

When catering a holiday event, you need look no further than Delightful Pastries. Both savory and sweet items are on the menu. Advance orders are being accepted. Order now at Delightful Pastries at the Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60661, Phone: (312) 234-9644  

For the complete menu, visit www.delightfulpastries.com.
 

ET - Fumare Deli Logo
Fumare Meats & Deli want to bring back "Old World" traditions and will be featuring two European specialty items this December. Swedish Potato Sausage (Potatis Korv), is a fresh sausage made with ground pork and beef that is mixed with potatoes, onions, salt and pepper, $7.99/lb - This sausage is traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. Fumare also will be featuring Fresh Polish Blood Sausage, $5.99/lb - Blood Sausage is one of the most popular food items across the world and is an unusual butcher's delicacy made by cooking blood or dried blood with a filler, such as pork or other meats, which gives the sausage its dark color.


ET -Lavazza Eggnog LatteEggnog Latte:
A nostalgic blend of eggnog, espresso, and steamed milk, topped with a light dusting of nutmeg
$3.40-$4.20
 
Peppermint Bark Mocha:ET -Lavazza Peppermint Bark Mocha
Decadent Italian drinking chocolate infused with peppermint bark and crowned with whipped cream
$3.95-$4.95
 
Limited Edition Holiday Espresso Cups

Brew up some holiday cheer with Lavazza's limited edition espresso cups!

Add a pound of your favorite espresso or a Lavazza Espression gift card for a perfect present for any occasion! $9.95
 

Les Fleurs has created a Christmas Wonderland at the Chicago French Market and would like to do the same for you.  Come see its creative decorations including a beautiful Christmas Peacock Tree and  Platinum Christmas Tree staged by a fireplace, all for sale.  Let Les Fleurs create an exquisite custom gift or pickup a beautiful handmade glass ornament from Poland.  Many of Les Fleurs gift items are unique one of a kind. For the Francophile in your life, pick up a glitzy Eiffel Tower ornament, and of course, don't forget the fresh flowers and Poinsettias for this very special season. Orders can be made by calling 312-463-1111.
 
ET - Les Fleur Holiday SceneET - Les Fleurs Peacock
 

Looking for a great gift for the barbecue fanatic in your life? Lillie's Q has a unique gift set that is sure to bring a smile this season - a box of six homemade sauces ($50, box included). Select all six of its homemade mouth-watering varieties or build your own gift box with any 6 flavors as you like.
 

 
Introducing... Little Goat Catering! 
 
ET -Little Goat Catering LogoWhether you're planning a luncheon or hosting a meeting at your office, let Little Goat Bread cater your event. Chose from many of Little Goat Bread's menu items, including sandwiches, chips, salads, bagels and cream cheese, pastries, and cookies. Fill out the inquiry online at littlegoatchicago.com/bread/catering, or just give them a call at 312-600-9601 to place an order. Please make sure to place your order at least 72 hours in advance. Emailcatering@littlegoatchicago.com with general questions.
 
Coming soon... the Sloppy Goat.
A squish squash bun piled high with savory sloppy goat and topped with a tangy rosemary slaw.
 

ET -Pastoral Love SandwichIt's a love sandwich at Pastoral!
 
Pastoral is so excited Oprah chose its Truffle Cheese Trio for her Favorite Things 2013 list, that it is  recreating her famous 'love sandwich,' featuring roasted local turkey breast, Sottocenere truffle cheese, lemon artichoke pesto, red onions and field greens, all served on a fresh baguette.

This one-of-a-kind sandwich is available for a limited time only!

Early Bird Shopper Alert
Beginning the week of Thanksgiving and lasting through the end of the year, Pastoral will be open for retail sales weekdays at The French Market starting at 8 a.m. for all you early bird shoppers. Lunch service will continue to start at 10 a.m. Pastoral is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sunday.

 
Oh Olive Photo ETShop Oh Olive! for all of your unique gift baskets, hostess gifts, wedding favors, corporate gifts and more. Oh Olive! offers beautiful baskets and complimentary gift wrapping.
 
Sugar, spice and everything nice for your holidays.  Treat yourself and your friends to Galena Garlic Spice Blends, special 5/$30.00, a $5 savings.
Also on special during December, buy your favorite ultra-premium olive oil and a dipping spice blend and save $2 on your purchase.
 
Holiday Mulled wine with Bisschopswijn Mulled Wine & Cider Spices. Everyone can enjoy the recipe by using this amazing spice blend to flavor apple juice, cider, or cranberry juice and serve hot.  Recipes included with purchase, $12.95. Bisschopswijn spices steeped with fruit juices, wine and brandy make a delicious, fragrant hot drink for the holidays.
 
 
Superior Nut is offering Holiday Gift Packs from $4.95 to $20.95 or you can design your own.   Choose from freshly roasted nuts or add in chocolate covered nuts, raisins or your favorite treat.  Perfect for corporate, hostess gifts or just a small thank you to recognize the people in your life.  Don't' forget your teachers or postman.
 
 
 
ET -Vanille Avignon Buche- modern
Vanille Patisserie is sharing its holiday menu including four Traditional Buche de Noel cakes; Vanille Cuilliere, Raspberry Buttercream, Chocolate Cuilliere, Chocolate Buttermilk, $38/each. 

Chocolate Cuilliere, Marshmallow Filling, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Buttercream and Red Velvet Cuilliere, Cream Cheese Filling, Vanilla Buttercream; $43/each. 

Vanille Patisserie has also created some modern Buche de Noel so you can start a new tradition. Avignon: Blood Orange Mousse, Chocolate Cremeux, Chocolate Flourless Cake, Orange Glaze (Gluten & Not Free) Bonne Nuit: Chestnut Mousse,  ET -Vanille snowmenBailey's Cremeux, Chocolate Flourless Cake, Milk Chocolate Glaze (Gluten Free) Cranberry Neige: Mascarpne Mousse, Cranberry & Sour Cherry Cremeux, Almond Cranberry Sponge Cake and Tiramisu: Mascarpone Mousse, Coffee Cremeux, Espresso Soaked Chocolate Flourless Cake (Gluten Free), $45/each.
 
Vanille Patisserie again is creating the perfect stocking stuffer, Chocolate Santa & Snowman Filled with Spice Drops, available in white, milk and dark chocolate, $13.50/each. Also, their traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies are priced at $20/dozen.
 
ET -Vanille New Years
Don't forget New Year's Celebration Cakes in 6" or 8" cakes $49-$84/each and the French Tradition of the Galette Des Rois cakes (Three Kings Cake).  The Galette Des Rois will be available on December 24th until the end of January. Don't miss out on the layers of buttery puff pastry, almond cream and a traditional feve imported from France.
 
Wisma
 
Wisma logo ETWisma has added a few new items to their menu: Grilled Steak Sandwich ($8) that has arugula, raw onion, cranberries, parsley salad and low-fat Ranch dressing; a Veggie Wrap ($7) that has Arugula, artisan aged gouda cheese, peppers, broccoli, basil, sunflower seeds and a tomato-crème fraîche.  They have also added two new salads: A Grilled Salmon Salad ($11) on a bed of organic arugula with capers, tomatoes and grilled squash and a Grilled Steak Salad ($10) on a bed of organic mixed greens with shaved celery, caramelized onions, haricot verts and roasted cauliflower. 
 
 
KOK December roundupLooking for something different for lunch? Stop by Klay Oven Kitchen for two specials this December. Enjoy homemade Lamb Rogan Josh ($9.75) or Vegetable Korma ($7.50) including naan and rice. Klay Oven Kitchen is a family owned business at the Chicago French Market. Chef/Owner Preim Khosla opened the venue two years ago to bring fresh, homemade Indian food to market guests. Its menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrée selections as well as naan bread and Samosas sides. 

Interested in a different holiday experience, consider catering from Klay Oven Kitchen. Chefs will create a custom menu to suit your family and guest tastes. "Besides having a lot of flavor, Indian food also has an added element of texture. Indian cuisine has developed in popularity in recent years. Klay Oven Kitchen seeks to create harmonious flavor combinations out of many ingredients. The cuisine is incredibly varied and rich in styles, ingredients and textures. The magic that Klay Oven Kitchen provides comes from home cooked foods, food indigenous to various regions of India.
 

Comments