Chicago French Market opens

We reported on it back in August, previewed it in our Fall Preview, went behind the scenes while it was under construction a couple weeks ago, then covered its opening in the magazine this week: Finally, we can say, the Chicago French Market is open. TOC Eat Out intern Caroline Shields reports from the Day 1 scene:

Chicago may not have a grand hall like they do in Europe, but we certainly got the food. The Chicago French Market is a one-stop shop for fine grocery shopping, housing everything from sushi-grade tuna to smiley-face cookies. I'm excited about Pastoral Cheese, Tallgrass Beef, Sweet Miss Giving's, and the opportunity to pick up specialty items like Maille Dijon and Sriracha after work.  The crowds are out today, so expect lines and tight corridors if you go. While there weren't too many unique fruits and vegetables today, they may reveal themselves come the summer months. Mayor Daley and Bill Kurtis gave their blessing, and I do, too. 131 N Clinton St (frenchmarketchicago.com). Monday–Saturday, 7:30am–7:30pm.