Recently I discovered Chicago now has a public food market at the suburban concourse of the Ogilvie Transportation Center, the block bordered by Clinton, Canal, Washington and Randolph. While the Chicago French Market is no Reading Terminal Market and not even the L.A. Central Market, it’s ours, it’s wonderful and it’s open seven six days a week. In fact, their hours are so long you could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner there. I would.
Fumare co-owner Joan McCracken next to her booth's sausage display at the Chicago French Market
I talked to Joan McCracken at the Fumare booth, where they offer European-style cured and smoked meats. Joan’s husband Richard McCracken started the business, following his passion for food after a career in banking. The couple takes turns running the booth, Joan in the morning and Richard in the evening. Joan told me the market has been very busy since its opening, and they’re expecting even more business once it gets warm enough for outdoor seating.
Everything looks good to me at the Market. Chicago’s Big Three in ethnic dining–Mexican, Italian and Asian–are represented, as well as other international cuisines. You can eat in or carry out and you can buy fresh ingredients to cook at home.
Treasure the Chicago French Market. The website provides a list of vendors, location and special events like Tuesday Tastings at 5:30 p.m.
Sorry for the confusion. I was responding to the posted comment regarding the smaller market located at the Century – Diversey and Clark St.
Dave, Eatzi’s sounds familiar but I don’t remember exactly where it is. This is in the train terminal building itself.
I believe I’ve noticed this spot. Is this at the former site of Eatzi’s? My daughter lives in the area and we’ve eaten several times at a restaurant across the street.
oh my goodness! I’m totally going there tonight!
Thanks for telling me, Ilene. I haven’t been around there for a while, so I’ll head over soon to check it out.
There is a smaller market of this type in the basement of the Century on Clark just north of Diversey. Have only eaten lunch there: excellent! They offer eat it, take away and ingredients to cook with. Don’t know what it is called…