Even in a trying year, as 2009 has been, there are so many things to be thankful for. And, related to the farmers markets I have alot to be thankful for.
I am thankful....
....to live in a city that supports and gives us access to produce that has been grown/raised within a few hours drive, via the farmers markets.
...to the staff and volunteers, at all of the farmer's markets, who because of their passion for the markets, give their time to make sure each market day goes smoothly and is an enjoyable experience.
...to all the farmers (and food purveyors) who work tirelessly to grow, harvest, and get their crops (food products) to market, at the peak of flavor and in pristine condition. Not too mention that they rose in the middle of the nite to get their produce to market. Yes, we market 'early birds' REALLY appreciate their effort. That includes you
Todd Nichols ;)
...to all of the city neighborhoods who feel strongly about bringing a farmers market to their neighbors. A special shout out here to the
Andersonville Farmer's Market's first season, and an extremely successful one at that.
...to be able to experience produce and artisan-crafted food products at their peak, and in season.
...for midwestern weather. Seriously. With all it's extreme ups and downs, it plays a huge roll in making the tastiest tomatoes and peaches on the planet.
...to all the markets that are working to make their markets accessible to everyone, not just the few. A special recognition to the
61st Street Market for being one of the first markets to accept food stamps.
...to all of the area chefs that are making a point of supporting the local markets and farmers, and letting their customers know where their meal is coming from.
...for the diversity of the people of this city, and their insistence that their own foods (culturally speaking) are represented at the markets.
...for Terra Brockman and her beautiful book,
"The Season's on Henry's Farm", that chronicles a year on her brothers farm. Not only showing us all that sustainable farming is good for us and our planet, but giving us an even greater appreciation for those that grow our food.
...for all of you that share my enthusiasm for the markets, the farmers, the food purveyors and artisans, and to those of you that tolerate said enthusiasm, even if you don't share the same enthusiasm. Don't worry, I'll convert you in 2010.
...and for you my readers, for reading and following my market wanders.
A very happy holiday to all of you and here's to the coming year at the markets.
Moira
moira@efete.net
Labels: 61st St Market, Andersonville Farmers Market, Chicago Farmers Markets, Chicago French Market, Green City Market, Henry's Farm, Nichols Farm, Terra Brockman
...the Chicago French Market! Je ne sais pas, really? Oui, really. As of last Thursday (12/3) Chicago is officially the proud host of it's first, okay at least in the last four decades or so, indoor year-round market. Seattle has it's Pike's Place Market, Philadelphia has the Reading Terminal Market, New York City has the Grand Central Terminal Market, even Cleveland, Ohio can boast having an indoor year-round market. And now finally, instead of whining, 'why can't Chicago have an indoor market', we can now toot our horns and say that we too have an indoor market. Thank you thank you to the Bensidoun family who has been running markets here and in Europe for four generations. With that kind of experience, I am guessing we are in good hands.
As you have all guessed by now (if you have been reading my posts, you are reading aren't you?) I have a real thing for the markets, indoor and out. Whenever I travel, whether an hour away, or a 14 hour international flight away, the first thing I like to do, once at my destination, is check out the local market(s). Be it a small roadside stand or ginormous indoor market like La Boueria Market in Barcelona, I think there is no better place to get your finger on the pulse of a place and it's people. And based on the streams of folks coming into the Chicago French Market since last Thursday, I would say visitors to our fine city will get a sense of us real quick.
No big box here baby, but real local food purveyors and artisans. Some with established presence at other markets and brick & mortar locales, and others for whom this is their first location. At the Chicago French Market we will have the opportunity to develop relationships with these folks, just like our parents and grandparents had relationships with the butcher, the baker, the candlestick-maker...okay maybe not the candlestick-maker but for sure the egg & milk guy. They are all extremely knowledgeable and tremendously passionate about their products, and getting them directly to you, their customer.
Located in a 15,000 square foot piece of the Ogilvie Center (ya know, the old Northwestern train station for those of you still kickin' the 'old school' terms). This part of the city (the west loop hood) has been booming with an influx of new residents, but retail, entertainment and food options not so much. Well no more, with 25 purveyors in the market, residents and commuters (remember, major train station right above the market) will have a 'one-stop shop' option. Everything from beautiful fresh and organic produce, fresh seafood, meats and poultry, beautiful artisan cheeses, and wine to go with said cheese, freshly baked breads, pastries and baked goods, gorgeous handmade chocolates, and stunning fresh flowers all to help ready you for holiday entertaining. Feeling a bit peckish after all the sensory overload? So many yummy options to sit down and enjoy right there, or pack up to take home, or to the office: from a yummy green curry, to Bi Bim Bap, to tacos, to crepes, to fresh juices, to raw food options, to sandwiches, to fresh roasted nuts (which always smell so good), to OMG Belgian fries, wait are we in a market in Europe or in Chicago?
Now if you are like me and don't reside or work in the area, but are close to a Metra train, this is such a stress-free way to get to the market. Or if you are planning to really load up, there is free parking available for up to an hour, with a $20 purchase at the market, and in a city that likes to charge a lot for parking, this is a MAJOR plus.
So being that I did go into sensory overload at the market and too full to make dinner (yes, you can say Belgian fries) no recipe to share this week. So get your self to the Chicago French Market and find inspiration. And let me know what your favorites are at the market and what you were inspired to cook. Email me at moira@efete.net.
For more information and hours go to www.chicagofrenchmarket.com
photo credits: Steven Johnson Photography
Labels: Bensidoun, Chicago Farmers Markets, Chicago French Market, food artisans, indoor market, organic food
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