Fall is definitely making its presence felt at the Market lately; MW was stunned at the volume and color of local apples last weekend, but summer isn’t done with the Market just yet. While we’re definitely making the shift — the Autumnal Equinox is September 23, less than two weeks away — summer produce is holding its own. This is really the best of both worlds as many of the fruits and vegetables we eat all summer are hanging out right next to the fall stuff. Bounteous!
But, OK, MW will admit that we might be slightly punished this weekend for the phenomenal weather we enjoyed for the last two Markets. Yes, gentle readers, there is some rain in the forecast for Saturday morning, thanks to the remnants of tropical storm Hermine, but it shouldn’t be anything too terrible. Why let anything less than a serious gale get between you and the freshest food there you can find anywhere, besides that out of your own garden? MW recommends donning your raincoat, galoshes, and finding your wildest umbrella and getting yourself over to the Market no matter what the weather’s doing, because there is food to be gotten and eaten.
Superfine food at the Market this week: green beans, rainbow chard, okra, cabbage, fresh herbs, lettuces, salad mix, many varieties of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, summer squash, peaches, nectarines, plums, (come early for the stone fruit!) apples, eggplant, sweet corn, potatoes, garlic, fresh whole onions, all kinds of melons, the odd berry, and who knows what else.
Of course, there will be a vast array of frozen, farm-raised meat at the Market, as always, as well as eggs, goat cheese, honey, and baked goods. As for prepared foods, Veggie Trails, is back to supply you with their veggie chili bowls and suchlike, and Fryer Tuck and their lovely egg and sausage sandwiches have also returned for the weekend. Tiny Greens makes wicked, sprouty sandwiches and wraps. The cupcake lady from last week is back and will be located in the same spot (Row 5, yo). MW also reckons we’ll see Trisha Rux, aka “The Pie Lady” in Row 4. Really, the baked goods all over the Market are fantastic. You’d do well to shop all five rows.
Special events this week: Eat Here is back this week. Information about your local farmers and shopping/eating locally will be in abundance, as always, but this weekend the Market is giving away free Eat Here totes and t-shirts while supplies last between 7 a.m. and noon. Right on!
Next week: Sprouts at the Market presented by the Market and the University of Illinois’ Family Resiliency Center.
Just a reminder to all users of credit, debit and LINK cards: the Market now accepts all of these at the City tent. You can bring your card(s) to the tent, located at the Market’s NW entrance, get them swiped for whatever transaction amount you desire (credit and debit purchases carry a one dollar service charge), and you’ll get tokens that are spendable anywhere within the Market. Pretty dang cool. Of course, cash and checks are gladly accepted by all Market vendors – this is just another payment option.
Two Market policy reminders:
1. Dogs = allowed, just keep them on a short leash, clean up after them, and make sure they’re not scaring anyone with their barking or jumping.
2. Smoking of any kind = NOT ALLOWED inside the Market. Please find the Director if you have questions.
If you need another canvas grocery bag to add to the menagerie, Market totes are available in limited quantities for the low, low price of $8. More t-shirts are available — if MW heard right, there are a few little kids’ sizes! Bigger kids — these shirts will also look totally awesome when you wear them on campus! Anyway, the City is accepting cash and checks only for these items, not their own Market money, which is kind of funny. MW has heard that Common Ground Food Co-op is carrying the bags and shirts at their store right by the Market, so if you get denied at the Market, try the co-op. MW also hears the City is considering shipping these items outside the area for former residents who desperately miss Urbana’s Market. Email Lisa, the Market’s Director, if you’re an out-of-towner who needs some Market merch.
Have a great weekend! Eat well!