Dinners from Chicago's French Market

Chicago's French Market has been open for several months now, and I have gotten in the habit of stopping in for dinner ingredients on my way through the train station. When I don't know what to make for dinner, it's easy to find the makings of a quick meal there.

One of my favorite places to shop for the main ingredient, the "protein," is City Fresh Market. This vendor specializes in fresh produce and meat raised without hormones or antibiotics, such as Tallgrass beef. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, marinated in a mixture of orange juice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce and baked, were a hit with the kids. For a simple dinner on another night, I picked up locally raised pork chops. I cooked these on my stovetop griddle and topped them with quick salsa made with canned pineapple, fresh mint, chili powder, and lime juice.

When I don't really feel like cooking, or it's just too hot in the summer, I like to rely on a cold-cut platter or simple composed salad for dinner. I can now pick up high-quality artisanal smoked meats at Fumare Meats for about the same price per pound as the deli turkey at Jewel. My family's favorites are the smoked turkey and the mortadella. Pastoral sells high-quality meats, artisanal cheeses, and wine. Another cheese option is the Wisconsin Cheese Mart. There, look for the very old aged cheddars.

On the side, serve the fabulous pickled beets from Gramp's Gormet Foods. I have to admit I was skeptical of a stand that only sold pickled beets, but they alleviated my skepticism with a free sample and got me hooked. Or you could try fresh tomatoes--perhaps as tomato and mozzarella salad--from Produce Express. The owners of Produce Express, the Jeffrey family, are fourth-generation Chicago-area farmers. Their stand specializes in locally grown produce.

If you're in the mood for dessert, try Sweet Miss Giving's, a bakery whose proceeds benefit the homeless. Their red velvet cupcakes were especially popular with the kids. Vanille sells elegant, but very expensive, pastries suitable for a big night in.