Lobsters on the Train — The Chicago French Market Caters to Foodie Commuters

The Chicago French Market, the long-anticipated and much appreciated gourmet pit-stop conveniently located INSIDE the Olgilvie Metra Train Station in Chicago’s west loop is a true gem for locals and commuters alike. 

Suppose you need to pick up some asian pears, anchovy tapenade, and a nice chunk of camembert for dinner.  (I have NO idea what you could possibly be making with these three ingredients, but bear with me.)  Where can you get all of this, plus a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, a bouquet of fresh-cut lillies, a delicate tart tatin for dessert and STILL catch the 5:50 train to Waukegan?  Why, at the Chicago French Market, or course.

The Market is a wonder to explore.   Compact and indoors, it offers foodies a chance to shop dozens of local artisans, purveyors and restaurants all year round.   Francophiles will love the  world class patisserie and delightful creperie, but there’s really a WORLD of food delights that can be eaten on the spot, packed away for lunch, or taken home for dinner.   Feast on anything from spicy pho (Saigon Sisters) to succulent kebobs (Presto Mediterranean Cafe & Grill) to the very popular Belgian Fries and Beer (Frietkoten) in a crazy global after-work tour.

Feel like making dinner yourself?  Shop for fresh herbs and produce (much of it organic),  grass-fed beefsteaks, boutique cheeses — even live lobsters, should you be willing to drag one of those suckers home on the train (believe me, I’ve seriously considered it.)  The shopkeepers, butchers, bakers and farmers who own and run the stalls here are passionate and generous with advice and recommendations.  Service is quick — after all, we all have trains to catch.   And surprisingly, the prices are fair — somewhere between Jewel’s and Whole Foods.

Special events make the Chicago French Market even more appealing.  Wine tastings, chef’s demonstrations, even a Bastille Day Celebration with live music and free samples mark the calendars of foodies who are lucky enough to know this place even exists!  To see what’s coming up, go to:  www.frenchmarketchicago.com.  Mais, oui!

Fresh produce is always in season.