There's nothing like foraging through a crate of dirt-tinged carrots or a bin of bright bell peppers at a local farmers’ market to make city dwellers feel in tune with nature. Each year around this time, purveyors from across Illinois and neighboring states make their way to Chicagoland parks, parking lots and playgrounds to share their locally grown bounty with urban folks who crave a closer connection with fresh cuisine. A few to dig into:
CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET
The city’s first permanent, European-inspired indoor market features the requisite crêpe stand and pâtisserie as well as vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and breads. And despite its name, you’ll also find Belgian frites, along with Vietnamese and Mexican fare. Connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, it was developed by the France-based Bensidoun family, who run more than 80 markets in the Paris metro area, plus 16 in Chicago and its suburbs. Look for Saturday cooking demonstrations from local chefs and holiday-themed events (Bastille Day, anyone?) to inspire commuters to trek downtown. Open all year, from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Visit chicagofrenchmarket.com
CHICAGO GREEN CITY MARKET
This 60-plus-vendor market is by far the favorite haunt of Chicago chefs. Mark Mendez, executive chef at Carnivale, is partial to the fresh chilies and Mick Klug Farms’ asparagus; Kristine Subido of Wave Restaurant picks up artisanal cheeses and tomato jams; and John Caputo of Bin 36 and A Mano loves Green City’s “social and entertaining aspects,” as well as its almost-allorganic- and-sustainable mission. The outdoor market, at the south end of Lincoln Park, runs from 7 AM to1 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through October and the indoor season goes from November through April at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, allowing foodies to get their fresh fixes year-round. Visit chicagogreencitymarket.com
EVANSTON FARMERS’ MARKET
When Osteria Via Stato’s executive chef David DiGregorio isn’t at Green City, he’s checking out this downtown find at the corner of University Place and Oak Avenue. On his list: seasonal flowers and unique varieties of apples and pears, or interesting items that “might inspire a menu special.” For more than 30 years, 30-plus vendors have been setting up shop; they’re doing it again this year, from 7:30 AM to 1 PM Saturdays from May through November. Visit cityofevanston.org/enjoy/market.shtml
NETTELHORST FRENCH MARKET
Bensidoun’s smallest market, this Lakeview treasure offers authentic French ambience—Nettelhorst’s vendor canopies and poles are the same as Bensidoun’s Paris markets-—and has just 18 vendor stalls. Open late April through early November from 8 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays at the corner of Melrose and Broadway, shoppers will find artisanal oils and vinegars, freshbaked croissants and more. Visit bensidoun-usa.com
