CheekyChicago

Since most of us don’t have time for a quick European getaway, a visit to the French Market in the West Loop might be the next best thing.

Although it’s not the Rue Mouffetard, a famous Parisian market, Chicago’s French Market has the same ambiance and fresh ingredients that align Europe’s streets. Whether you like French, Italian, Asian or American cuisine, the French Market has something for everyone.

Shoppers will find stands filed with cured and naturally smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, fresh pastas and authentic European pastries. Whether you’re grabbing ingredients for a dinner party, doing your weekly grocery shopping or snagging a quick lunch, the abundance of fresh foods is almost too good to be true.

One of the most popular vendors is Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer, which offers just that: fries and beer. If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, this place boasts the token Netherlands ‘fry shack’ experience. Not only are these fries perfectly crisp, but there are also up to 20 different sauces to choose from, including a variety of unique ketchups and mayos. The sweet chili ketchup and the truffle mayo pair perfectly with the salty fries, but chose at your own discretion – you can’t go wrong.

If you’re more in the mood to take a trip down south to Italy, visit Pappardelle’s Pasta, a gourmet mom and pop stand that makes dozens of handcrafted pastas. From the moment you stop by Pappardelle’s, you are immediately transported to the streets of Rome. There are dozens of dried, flavored pastas ranging from chipotle pepper fettuccine to garlic chive pappardelle to fanciful fruit pasta blend, comprised of lemon, lime, tangerine and raspberry flavored pastas. There is no lack of innovation at this stand; you will find gnocchi, orzo, angel hair, linguini and fettuccini all infused with unique flavors of toasted onion, green jalapeño, even basil tangerine.

And that’s not all. Crepes, gelato, seasonal breads and even Vietnamese-inspired dishes are throughout the market. There’s even a 100% organic, raw, vegan vendor (appropriately named RAW) which was one of my favorites and perhaps the most innovative stand at the market.

The West Loop is now the cheapest and closest way to get the European experience without spending a grand.