Chicago French Market - Round 2

Here are some of the new places I discovered this week when I had a little time on my hands and decided to quickly explore the NEW Chicago French Market:

Fumare Meats - I loved this place and the owners wife is their best sales ambassador. Fumare ('smoke' in Italian) brings traditionally cured and smoked meats from local producers. I am totally sold so look for a post in the weeks ahead.

P.S. Just what I need – another addiction? Admitting that the little bitty pork bites were downright delicious. Yep – I’m pretty sure I am hooked!

Espression by Lavazza – I had the Gelato…in fact, I had the gelato for breakfast. Did I love it?
Ask me if this isn’t my new favorite sweet treat at the market? I had it twice in the same week for breakfast. Now that’s an addiction!

Sweet Miss Givings – How could I resist a white chocolate and dried cranberry cookie…and they give back?

SMG was founded by Rev. Stan Sloan, an Episcopal priest and long-time CEO of Chicago House. 50% of all of the profits from the bakery and Chicago French Market retail location go to help formerly homeless and disability-affected men, women, and children.

Abbey Brown Soap Artisan – They are a Chicago based manufacturer and purveyor of fine olive oil soaps and related bath products.

Owner Deborah Kraemer still makes soap the old fashion way, infusing locally grown herbs and botanicals in natural vegetable oils with the purest of essential oils. I took home a sample and I must say the soap is really amazing.

The list of vendors in the Market continues to grow which includes my two favorites – Saigon Sisters and Necessity Baking Co.

And speaking of Saigon Sisters, Mama made Pho on Monday and after she gave me a quick lesson on how to spice it up, I had the perfect mix of broth, meat, noodles and spices. Mama really knows how to make Pho so make sure to check out which day she is going to cook it.

P.S. Maybe I can get her to adopt me…

Bon Appetit!