Kotel Kosher Opens At Chicago French Market May 15 And Other May News

The Chicago French Market (131 North Clinton Street; 312-575-0306) welcomes a new and unique vendor, Kotel Kosher. Kotel Kosher is a "grab and go" that will offer shoppers a wide variety of strictly Kosher deli and grocery products for either dining at the Chicago French Market or taking home.

A grand opening celebration is planned for May 15. Honored guest Yona Metzger, Chief Rabbi of Israel, will officiate.*For those who want a Kosher meal on the go, there will be plenty from which to choose, including all popular Kosher brands. Kotel Kosher will be run by the same people who own Chicago Organics, a mainstay at the Chicago French Market.

Kotel Kosher will be one of the only places in the West Loop area of Chicago where people can go to purchase strictly Kosher grocery items. Metra commuters, people who work in nearby office buildings and residents of the West Loop will be pleased with the convenience of shopping at Kotel Kosher.

Kosher foods are those that conform to the regulations of Jewish law (Laws of Kashruth) that were first written in the book of Leviticus.

Kotel Kosher will be open Monday through Friday and, in keeping with Jewish law, will close at sundown on Friday and stay closed all day on Saturdays.

New Vendor, Oh Olive! Opening in May at Chicago French Market!

Oh, Olive! is now open in the Chicago French Market. The new vendor sells various extra virgin olive oils, vinegars, teas, coffees and spices and is dedicated to educating clients about the delicious and healthy properties of everything it sells. After a lucrative career in education as a former teacher, principal and associate superintendent, owner Sandy Schuenemann quickly transitioned to business woman by opening her first location in Libertyville in 2010. She quickly expanded to Glenview in 2011 and now along with business partner and niece, Mary Koval, her new location at Chicago French Market is up and running.

Schuenemann has made this venture a family affair with her husband, Art and son and daughter-in-law Aaron and Alecia being heavily involved in the business. "We can offer the consumer the nutritional and chemistry information on our oils so that they can make their own educated decisions about what they purchase," Aaron Schuenemann adds, "as well as providing them with a product that will enhance the taste of anything they eat. You don't have to be a chef to use our products; it's really simple, and we teach you how."

Dedicated to educating clients about the healthy benefits of consuming fresh extra virgin olive oil and vinegars, Oh, Olive provides a unique experience in tasting and learning. The stores are staffed with olive oil experts and enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about the oils and vinegars, especially how to use them in everything from appetizers to desserts. All of their recipes are available online www.oo2go.com or in the stores.

Spicy Monkey Soup Company now open

Spicy Monkey will have its official opening this May at the Chicago French Market. Its selection of fresh soups will begin with an amazing, fresh, never frozen and delicious vegetarian stock which is then restyled into a daily variety of soups. All soups can be complemented with anything from chicken breast, bacon, pinto beans and Ditalini pasta.

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches will also be on the menu. All sandwiches will be hand-made to order with meats, cheeses and breads not containing preservatives, and fresh veggies. Featured sandwiches will include Asparagus with Swiss, and Provolone and Chihuahua with Blueberry Preserves. For more information about Spicy Monkey Soup Co., call 312-454-2991.

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