Chicago French Market — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Want a taste France, but you're low on the dough? It's OK! Stop packing your suitcases and take the CTA over to the heart of downtown to the French Market. I promise it's just like Paris except everyone speaks English - no translator needed! Within the French Market, you can find a large variety of vendors selling almost anything! Some of my favorite places to frequent are:

1. LaVazza Coffee: they have some of the best lattes and cappuccinos in the city IMHO - definitely worth getting on one of these frigid Chicago winter days.

2. Vanille Patisserie: macarons - nuff said. The price can be pricey, but their flavors are very unique, which change daily, but beware, they sell out in a jiffy so you gotta get here early!

3. Frietkoten Belgian Fries: Belgium isn't exactly in France, but it's in Europe right? So, you get to hit up two countries at the same time - perfect! Their thick cut Belgian fries are amazingly crisp and come in a huge cone. I would go with the small size - I came with three people and we struggled to finish it. Additionally, the fries come with the standard mayo for dipping, but they offer other dipping sauces as well for additional charge, such as truffle mayo, fire roasted pepper, garlic mayo and more.

4. Beavers Coffee and Donuts: Their donuts are the reason I keep coming back. Wide selection of mini and regular size donuts that run the gamut of being filled, cake donuts, glazed - you name it, they got it. Coffees aren't half bad either.

5. Saigon Sisters: great bahn mis, which are Vietnamese stuffed with just about everything and piled up with pickled veggies and fresh herbs - Oh, did I mention we're making a pit stop in Vietnam too?

These five vendors don't do this place justice. There are other bakeries, grocers, seafood mongers, deli and more! You just have to check it out for yourself. Believe you will thank me when you do. If you want to drive, there is a parking garage located in the middle of the building which can be confusing to find. However, you can only park for 1 hour for free, that's the catch so I'd recommend taking public transportation because you can't explore the entire...

So, I order from here occasionally and am never disappointed.

Today, was an order of Kathryn's Soul K-Soul Bowl with jerk chicken (she offers non-jerk spiced too), Vanille croissant, and a being Taco Tuesday 🌮 I felt the need for a chicken taco from Buen Appetito.

Okay, Kathryn's was killing me on Instagram. The K-Soul Bowl image had me breaking my vegan (poor attempt at) lifestyle. I already know this gal is a fab chef, so let's try this jerk chicken mixed with corn, gravy all over her mashed potatoes. I'm not EVEN gonna attempt to put this into MyFitnessPal for fear it will crash the app.

The K-Soul Bowl I received was 1.15lbs. Yep! Over a pound. Nope! Can't finish it. It's dinner for next few days. How does this incredible woman make money? The portions she gives out should make other restaurants ashamed!!

The taste is freaking delectable. And in my opinion, not too spicy. Soul food at its best. Not too salty, either. Kathryn's Soul... my comfort food. 11 stars out if 10!

Here's a tip, if you are part of the AAdvantage Dining, Kathryn's Soul is listed on there. Check it out for details. I appreciate it because I can collect my miles if i buy using their link following their guidelines.

Next up: Buen Appetito... my first order. I got their chicken taco. The appointments and side sauces were abundant. The red one was way too hot but the green, maybe tomatillo sauce(?) was perfect and drenched my double corn tortilla tacos perfectly. I'd actually give this taco a 10 out of 10.

Last: Vanille... my croissant craving covered. Every time I bite into these incredible pastries, I feel like Emily in Paris and the first time she ever tried one too. It's love at first bite. Definitely a 10 out of 10!

After I eat Vanille's croissants my French accent comes out and it's really thick... and I'm not even from France. I'm a Chicago gal...and with all these great restaurant options, I'm thrilled about that.

Delivery fee is high at $7, but the prices are not inflated and still cheaper than using the others that I compared.

I cant wait to head over there in-person one day. Thanks, Chicago...

OMG! I can't believe I'm a Native Chicagoan and overlooked this charming collection of food vendors and locally owned boutique style shops!

Today I took a long leisurely hike from the West loop back to River North and finally ran into the French Market located within the Canal street Metra station.

I found so many tempting food vendors and chose Frietkoten Belgian Fries because it's been ages since I've had genuine Belgian Friet prepared with dipping sauces. I took my time chatting with a couple of friendly female professionals on their lunch break then explored a bit of crystals 🔮 that were set on display by Michael who does a wonderful job helping out customers at the information desk. Michael told me the crystal vendor was away at a Rosemont crystal convention but he'd be happy to help me make a purchase and help me pay the owner since he knew his contact information.

I must have spent a couple hours here just eating and wandering around and met so many interesting characters. Igor Irbe owns a map design shop here so go have a look and absorb the good vibes!

I am so thankful to Michael today for providing me with useful advice and making my shopping experience more magically enfused! 🌟

I'm definitely looking forward to future visits! Oh and they do allow service animals here and go have a look at the Barking Spot Bakery because they have plenty of gourmet treats for dogs and cats...