Weekend Pairing

For this pairing we're going Old World. First to France for the Champy Cote du Beaune Village Burgundy. An earthy wine with medium to soft tannins and a long complex finish. A wine that changes throughout the bottle, getting more complex and reveling new complexities as you enjoy.

Then let's take a trip to Spain for the cheese. Leonora is a young goat's milk cheese. Aged for at least three months this cheese has a distinct lemon zestiness to it with a slight earthy mushroom quality. If you like Bucheron this cheese is right up your alley.

Still looking for a last minute gift? We have a great selection of gifts that are just ready to go. Come in, pick up a gift starting at under $25 and get on with your day. We can help you take the stress out of your holiday shopping. gift certificates in any denomination, gift baskets (we respectfully request 24 hrs. notice for gift baskets), cheese, wine, charcuterie, books or classes, we've got just the right thing for the foodie in your life.

Pairing and Free Wine Demo!

Stop by the Chicago French Market on Saturday 12/12 from 3-6pm for a wine tasting. Lawrence Mawby will be there pouring some of his delicious Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir. Sam Simpson of Good Harbor will also be there pouring some of his Trillium and Fishtown White.

We've got a really special pairing this week. Queso de la Serena and Illahe Gruner Veltliner. Queso de la Serena is a big, full flavored sheep's milk cheese from Spain. What makes this soft, creamy cheese unique is that it is made with cardoon thistle rennet which only enhances the cheese. Full flavors of roasted lamb and grassiness with a buttery smooth texture that can't be beat!

What to pair with such a big cheese? Jan has got the answer! From Illahe vineyards in Oregon we are pairing their Gruner Veltliner with the Queso de la Serena. This medium bodied wine has great chalky mineral notes with a bit of pepper and white grapefruit. The fruity aspects in the wine help bring out the fruity and milky qualities of the cheese. Try them both together at any of our three locations this weekend.

Chicago French Market Opens Tomorrow!

We are all a-twitter! After months of planning, carpentry, licensing, glass work, goods ordering and tearing out a hair or two we are pleased to announce that Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be opening at the Chicago French Market tomorrow (Dec. 3) at 10 am.

The outside awning of what promises to be a food extravaganza in Chicago!

Making our presence known



We've got a great location and gorgeous windows!


A few of the Pastoral elves who make it all happen! Manager Cristi (on the phone), Assistant Manager Nat, Dana and Ryne two of our wonderful employees.

We've got a few guest stars lined up for the grand opening this weekend. Take a look at our facebook fan page for all the details. The Chicago French Market has a few grand opening perks as well. Be one of the first 500 customers each day from Dec. 3-9 and you'll receive a market bag. Gift Certificates will be distributed on Friday & Saturday and of course the big prize: you could win a four night trip to Paris for two! Check it out here.

We also have a wine and cheese pairing for this week.* Featuring the Pantaleo, a goat milk cheese from Sardinia and 2006 Massaya "Classic", a Cinsault/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend from Lebanon.

The Pantaleo is a firm ivory goat milk cheese with a floral and sweet flavor with just a hint of the citrusy finish you expect in a goat cheese. Massaya is a big bold red, perfect for people who love wines from Chile and Argentina but are looking for something new.

*Due to Chicago liquor laws, Pastoral at the French Market will not be carrying wine until next week.