Chicago French Market December News

The Marche de Noel is a holiday feature of the Chicago French Market! Rotating visiting artisan's selling unique gift items will display and sell wares under the Eiffel Tower in the market daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through December 24.

Modeled after French Christmas markets, Marche de Noel provides a fantastic atmosphere and unique shopping options, not to mention the opportunity to replenish wine stocks for the Christmas season.

The Marche de Noel at the Chicago French Market also offers shoppers the opportunity to do all their holiday shopping in one location. Artists will sell jewelry, kids' items, wall decor, photographs, toys and many more gift options. A variety of new items will be featured at the Chicago French Market during this time as well.
The Marche de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Frederick II of Saxony. The Marche de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today. It has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.

Vanille Patisserie Acquired by Investor Group

CHICAGO-Vanille Patisserie, one of Chicagoland's finest French gourmet pastry wholesalers and retailers, has been acquired by an investor group headed by Sophie Evanoff.

Ms. Evanoff, a graduate of Chicago's internationally-renowned French Pastry School, and the University of Michigan, has worked in operations, production and marketing managerial capacities with several area gourmet confection and pastry companies.

"The specialized gourmet pastry market has remained strong and viable despite the economic downtown in the Chicagoland area," Ms. Evanoff said. "Consumers have always enjoyed the experience of a gourmet treat, whether at their favorite restaurant, from a specialized shop or at home," she noted.

Vanille Patisserie provides luxury desserts to a number of Chicago's finer restaurants and hotels. In addition, it has retail outlets in Lincoln Park, 2229 N. Clybourn and in the West Loop French Market. It also serves an extensive client base via its internet operation www.vanillepatisserie.com.

"The acquisition of Vanille Patisserie by Ms. Evanoff, a former student will enable the existing team to continue in the tradition of the world's finest French pastry chefs who exemplify quality, creativity and exquisite taste," said World Champion Pastry Chef Dimitri Fayard, Vanille Patisserie 's co-founder. Who will continue with the company in an advisory capacity. "I am thrilled that, as part of our acquisition, that both Dimitri and Keli Fayard agreed to provide guidance and advice with our new creations for both wholesale and retail clients," Ms. Evanoff said, adding, "their experience, knowledge and excellence will be invaluable to the expansion we both have envisioned."

In addition to its wholesale and retail operations, Vanille Patisserie provides specialized catering and wedding cake creations. Information about the company and its products are available at www.vanillepatisserie.com or at 773.868.4574.

Kai Sushi Comes to the Chicago French Market

Kai Sushi debuts at the Chicago French Market this month! The restaurant's chef/ owner, John Tsendsuren, was born and raised in Mongolia. After graduating from high school he moved to United States in 2000. While Tsendsuren was going to college, he began his culinary career by working in the house kitchen of a small, family-owned Japanese restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida. He spent four years learning the fundamental skills of Japanese cooking and art of sushi. In 2005, John decided to move to Chicago and found success while continuing to master his craft at well- known restaurants in city, including Nomi at Park Hyatt, Sunda, Kamehachi and Ra Sushi.

Most recently, Chef Tsendsuren opened his own res