There are more than a dozen Euro-inspired food markets in Chicago, but they're seasonal. If you wanted your favorite bottle of Brittany's cidre doux to keep you warm in December, you had to stock up on it in September. Good news, then, for the francophiles: with the opening of the open-year-round Chicago French Market on Thursday, December 3, that kind of unholy abstinence -- and planning ahead -- is no more.

Taking its place in the Metramarket in The Windy City's West Loop, the French Market will be the only 365-day, Euro-chic indoor purveyor. Offerings from local farms and artisanal shops include certified organic produce, meat, fish, bread, pastries, small batch cheeses and wines, and flowers. And don't forget the chocolates and Lavazza coffee. Prepared meals can also be had for when you want an evening in Provence without spending business-class fare.

Six days a week the 15,000-square-foot market will exist to serve you, and there's covered, ground-level parking to entice you further -- validated for an hour free if you spend $20. The adventure begins at 7:30 Thursday morning, just in time for a pain au chocolat and a cafe creme.