I have to admit, I have not gone to the Farmers Market that much…maybe a time or two. I know, that makes me a bad Des Moinesian, yet I write a Blog about Des Moines. I realize the dichotomy is pretty crazy, but no worries, I plan to correct that this year.
You see, in the past, Saturday’s were my big training days…back during my Triathlon years. But, not this year! This year I am not training, so I am going to get to enjoy all that the Farmers Market has to offer…and I am pretty excited.
I am even more excited to hear many of the vendors are adding to their previous items. Such as the Cleverley Farms gang, they are working with George Formaro (Centro, Django, Gateway Market) to provide a breakfast sandwich using South Union Bread, local fresh eggs, and Niman Ranch chorizo. I have no idea what chorizo is, but the sandwich sounds fantastic.
I understand other vendors sell hot breakfast items as well, and coffee…which is much needed on a Saturday morning. It will be interesting to see how Pop’s Place does, Pop’s is a new vendor in 2010 who will be serving southern food like grits, catfish, and fried okra. I don’t know how the recently awoken Central Iowan is going to feel about catfish first thing in the morning, but who knows that may be one of the biggest hits in the market.
What is your favorite past-time at the Market? What is something I need to try when I head to my first Market in 2010?
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You have to get a Dutch letter from the VanderPloegs (not sure of the exact spelling). There are many Dutch letter places, but these are the best. And of course the breakfast burritos although the bowls that Dos Rios does are really good. Happy hunting!
Hey Pete, you gotta check out Carefree Patisserie’s cupcake stand. It’s never too early for a red velvet cupcake!
Please visit Soapourri on 4th St. south of Court for a bar of handmade glycerin soap!
My favorites are the Dutch letters and breakfast burritos described by Laurie, black raspberries when they’re in season (the season only lasts like a month.. I think in July), and getting a year’s supply of Iowa Country Honey Mustard.
I believe chorizo is mexican sausage. I’ve never eaten it but a friend of mine swears by it. Boy…just battleing the people, strollers & dogs is a work out in my eyes! Craziness! I like to go SUPER early, before starting time, easier to park & walk around, but not always so easy to get up that early on a Saturday. Mmmm, fried ochra sounds good for breakfast, with a chorizo sandwich! Then I’d have a cup cake, cuz WHO can resist a cup cake? I’d say you need to try a little of everything…you’ve got all summer to work on it. Take a friend & share. If you don’t have a friend…holler at me! I’m game for mexican sausage at 6:30am! Ha!
Sure the prepared foods are great (my fave egg rolls are way on the end by 1st & Court), but what’s really spectacular is the produce: Berry Fresh, Blue Gate, and Coyote Run farms are all must-visits.
Oh! I should’ve mentioned Frisian Farms’ gouda, the mushroom dude on the south end of 4th, the flower & produce lady (full bouquets for $7!) between 3rd & 4th, and the tomato guy between 4th & 5th.
Wow thanks everyone. I am going to have to be sure I go more than once this year because there is no way I would be able to try all these great ideas during one visit.
If you wanted to bring your mother a red velvet cupcake, you could.
You need to try the Sweet Original Beef Stick at the Harvest Barn booth southside of court between 4th & 5th street. Its YUMMY!
My daughter says you MUST try the kettle corn!
Every Saturday I say I’m going to try something different for b-fast, but 95% of the time I’m back at the Guys and Dolls tent for their egg sandwich. Eggs (w/ green pepper & onions), fresh sausage, pepper-jack cheese all between buttery english muffin. ummmmmmm!!! Got to try one Pete!
Buy some meat from the guy at 2nd and Court. His steaks are ahhh.. mazing
Last time I was at the farmer’s market– was the first and only time I tried Bolivain food. IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I would totally recommend it. There is also an Amish bakery from Dacater County down by Lamoni that comes up for the market that is GREAT!
There are so many good things. Yes, chorizo is Mexican sausage which someone mentioned. Try a pupusa. And the bloody mary bar at Court Ave!
And watch out for the dogs and strollers.
The farmer’s market at Valley Junction on Thursdays is always an option if you find it difficult to get up on Saturday mornings like me!
You have to stop by Reichert’s Dairy Air and get some goat cheese – both feta and chevre are amazing. As mentioned before, gouda from Frisian Farms is another must. Another one already mentioned, but the Iowa Country Mustard – we love the “smoked” flavor. Once you go, you won’t stop…even if you have to get up early on a Sat!