Tasting your way through Chicago French Market

October 25, 2010

Living at Left Bank at K Station, it’s just a short wander over to Chicago French Market, where fresh fare and sweet treats abound.

On a recent visit, I couldn’t help but think that working in the West Loop, Fulton River District or River North neighborhoods, Chicagoans would have it lucky. Just venture over and you could choose a healthy or just delicious lunch from a variety of places that span the globe in taste and tradition.

macarons - a delightful treat at Vanille Patisserie

On a recent visit with a friend, we couldn’t help but indulge. The hardest part was making a decision. What to try? It all looked so amazing – from the fresh fruit to the pasta.

Did I want to try a Vietnamese sandwich from Saigon Sisters or a Croque Monsieur from newly-opened French-themed LM Cafe? My friend and I settled on splitting a very generous savory vegetarian crepe from Flip Crepes – filled with spinach, feta cheese, fig, onion jam on a wheat crepe. Thought it was one of the healthier options on the menu, it was so big it looked like a burrito. And it tasted absolutely delicious.

Then we traipsed over to Frietkoten for a petite order of Belgian fries and three dipping sauces – sweet and sour ketchup, green tomato and chili mayo, and queso dip. Talk about indulgence. Though Frietkoten had a great selection of beer to go along with the frites, we were fine with bottled water for the time being.

We did, however, make it to the lovely Vanille Patisserie, for an assortment of macarons in flavors like chestnut, green tea, pumpkin, chocolate, lychee and more. We saved those for later. The pumpkin had to be my favorite – it had a delicate addition of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg – just like pumpkin pie.

The whole experience reminded me of a former roommate of mine. In the dead of winter every once in a while she’d declare “food fantasy night” a chance to stay in and snack on the treats we’d rarely eat and watch movies and just have a great time – guilt-free.

Chicago French Market has plenty of healthy options too. But sometimes you just have to quit the calorie count and enjoy.

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