The French Riviera came to the shores of Lake Michigan last month when Grey Goose hosted the Boulangerie Bleue pop-up. On July 27, visitors to the Chicago Illuminating Company entered a traditional French bakery and found a secret entrance to a summer soiree.
Bread Making
The experience began in a traditional French bakery setting, highlighting Grey Goose’s prime ingredient. The soft winter wheat used in Grey Goose vodka hails from Picardy, France. Since winter wheat is grown longer than summer wheat, it is soft and ideal for bread making. Jen Templeton of Gingersnap Sweets & Such guided guests through a bread making experience.
Cocktail Class
Guests then moved to the terrace for an interactive cocktail class with Grey Goose ambassadors. Attendees learned how to mix Le Grand Fizz, a refreshing summer cocktail using Grey Goose and St-Germain. I learned that adding more ice than you think you need is key! Enjoy the recipe below.
The Perfect Martini
The biggest surprise of the evening was waiting inside a refurbished French camionette. The 1970’s era vehicle was once used to transport goods to the local market. These days, it’s home to the perfect dry martini. Dustin Drankiewicz, beverage director at Chicago’s Moneygun guided us through the history of Grey Goose in a chic and intimate setting.
Dinner Is Served
Next, Jared Van Camp of Element Collective created a custom three-course dinner menu of Grey Goose-inspired fare using local Illinois ingredients that was paired with Grey Goose cocktails. Our favorites were the dessert of grilled peaches with burrata and honey and the Grey Goose espresso martini.
Creative Collaboration
Grey Goose also teamed up with local creatives to collaborate on custom work for Boulangerie Bleue. Chicago’s John Stoffer worked with Heritage Bicycles to design a Grey Goose bicycle. Guests received a custom bandana created by Stock Mfg. Co. and John Thompson. Lucky photographer Alina Tsvor shared some keepsake snapshots from her trip to Grey Goose’s Le Logis chateau.
Après dinner, guests mingled in the courtyard for a summery after party curated by Kitsuné. Revelers sipped Grey Goose concoctions while Clean Bandit, Claptone, and Zimmer spun tracks.
Boulangerie Bleue was a wonderful celebration of Grey Goose’s signature elements, Chicago creativity, and a love of summer. The immersive global pop-up experience is currently touring 20 other cities which include LA, Miami, New Orleans, the Hamptons, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Watch the Boulangerie Bleue kickoff in New York City below.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
