Fox & Obel almost defines the term “world class.” This market/café is luxurious to the max—but it’s also a lot of fun. In the prepared foods section, enthusiastic servers eagerly offer samples of such delights as Szechwan green beans, seared Ahi tuna, rutabaga with crispy shallots, and wild rice salad. A wall of imported olive oils is flanked by a table where open bottles and slices of bread invite tasting. The folks behind the cheese counter point out exotic imports and local artisanal cheeses, including several raw milk varieties—and encourage sampling. Ranks of bins filled with olives offer another sampling opportunity. These people are smart. They know that when you taste the exquisite offerings, a sale is almost certain. Everywhere you turn—the bakery, the fish counter, the butcher, sushi station, confectionary—everything is the finest the world has to offer. The fruits and vegetables are awesomely fresh and often exotic and/or organic. Rows of racks offer elegant imports, such as truffle oil, hand-stamped Ligurian pasta, European butters, and Asian curries. Wines include classic imports and local boutique vintages. The café offers fabulous food that ranges from the signature Cobb omelet to black Angus steak frites. And if any celebrity chefs or cookbook authors are in town, this is where they’ll be lecturing and signing books. Fox & Obel is a relatively short walk from Navy Pier. If you drive, the market offers 90-minute free parking nearby, or you can use the valet service, again with 90 minutes free.