It’s a whole new kind of cultural entertainment for the kids and a whole lot of foodie fun for you. The Chicago French Market, the city’s premier indoor, year-round marketplace, sells tastes of European cuisine that will make even kids with the pickiest of palettes sing a chorus of yums.
With free, live, family-friendly music on Saturdays and a variety of vendors just dying to share their passion for their delicious artisan products, your family will learn about the art of food in a lively environment. Follow our guide to the morsels that the artisans of the French Market say have transfixed kids.
Beavers Coffee + Donuts
Any artisan doughnuts here are worth ordering a dozen, but the cinnamon-sugar mini doughnuts are the perfect bite-sized, mouthwatering treat for kids. Be prepared never to look at doughnuts the same way again after tasting the ones at Beavers, which has a hot and fresh guarantee.
Polpetti
What kid doesnt like biting into a fist-sized meatball? Polpetti (formerly The Original Meatball Vault) vendor Michael Ferrazzuolo says kids flip for the cheese-covered meatball with pasta, and we could see adults doing some gymnastics for them too
Vanille Patisserie
A rainbow assortment of macarons would catch any cookie-lovers eye. Not only are these specialty cookies a huge draw for French Market customers, they fit ever-so-nicely in child-sized hands.
Lolli and Pops
One of the markets newest attractions, the rows upon rows of chocolates and candies at Lolli and Pops aren’t just fun to look at — they’re even better to taste! Chocolate and candy materials are shipped to Lolli and Pops from all over the world, from countries such as Madagascar, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.
Loop Soup
Grilled cheese is a staple in most kids diets, and because this one is toasted rather than fried, moms will be happy with this healthier version of the classic comfort food.
FliP Crepes
These crepes are melt-in-your-mouth good. But the part kids will really love is watching the crepe specialists flip, stretch, fill and create their crepe right in front of them. The oos and ahs will echo all the way from the crafting of the crepe to the last, sweet bite.
If you go:
Chicago French Market
131 N. Clinton
