Cincinnati, Part II, Findlay Market

Of course I couldn't go to Cincinnati without visiting the Findlay Market, right? My understanding family was nice enough to be dragged there despite the rain that was pouring down on us on Sunday morning (that was NOT in the forecast, but oh well). I had read a little about this public market in Edible Columbus' sister publication, Edible Ohio Valley. It was time to see it for myself.



Findlay market is tugged away in a small block in a sleepy neighborhood north of downtown Cincinnati. Like I said, it was raining, and it was early on Sunday morning, so it was not the most happening place in the city. But in some ways, it was a wonderful introduction to the market - we literally had it all to ourselves.



The inside of the market reminded me of a smaller version of the one in Cleveland we went to last winter. There were lots of meat vendors, bakeries, and even seafood stalls (a bit of a puzzle to me!). The German food culture influence is big here as well with lots of options for sausages, and German baked goods. Outside a very small farmers market braved the rain. We got some fresh staples to bring home as edible souvenirs.



Just outside of the covered market, more restaurants and shops lined the small streets. I have not felt this way about other places in Ohio (besides German Village), but the quaintness, the local food vendors, plus the colorful hanging baskets reminded me of small European villages I had visited in the past.



I can only imagine how lively and well attended the market would be on a warm sunny summer morning. I don't even need to see it to know, but I do hope to get back there again sometime to experience this place at its best.




Findlay Public Market
1801 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Hours of Operation

9am to 6pm - Tuesday through Friday
8am to 6pm on Saturday
10am to 4pm on Sunday
Closed Monday

Findlay Market is open year-round.

Schacht Farm Market

To some, Canal Winchester might feel like a long way away. In reality, it's closer than you think. For those of us in Bexley, it's a quick ride down Hwy 33.



Farmlands appear as soon as you leave the city proper, and you feel like you have entered a simpler, unhurried world. Red barns, horses, and those struggling-to-grow corn fields due to a very wet spring, open up the landscape. My heart rate immediately slows down.



I had been to Schacht farm before several times. Today I had a vision of picking the last of their strawberries, to accompany their homegrown rhubarb stalks. "It's like a treasure-hunt now," said Lisa Schacht, co-owner of the farm. "They are there, but this is probably the last week of strawberries."



There were plenty of already-picked berries once we got to the farm stand, off of Gender Rd. heading north of town. We decided to bring those home instead of treasure-hunting in the mid-day sun. A healthy bunch of rhubarb also made it in our new basket ($2 a piece by the register!), among other goodies grown on the farm.



Those two peaches came from South Carolina, however. They were sweet and juicy, and were, naturally, devoured way before reaching home.

Schacht Farm Market
5950 Shannon Rd.
Canal Winchester, Oh 43110
Phone: 614-833-1932
Recording: 614-837-GOOD (4663)
E-mail: schachtfarmmarket@gmail.com

Hours:
April 17 through October 30, 2010
Monday-Saturday
9:00am-6:30pm
(Call about Holidays)

Clintonville Farmers Market

Farmers Market season is in full swing. And boy, have the farmers been busy or what? With all the rain, and the coolish spring we have had, I was VERY impressed with what was on the offer at the infamous Clintonville Farmers Market today.



I know I have to stop comparing life here with life in Northern California. That was then, this is now. However, it is safe to say that the Clintonville folks have got it right. They have a thriving farmers market, regardless of what standard it is compared to. Sure it is lacking the local avocados, and the deep yellowish orange Meyer lemons, or the sweet ripe fresh figs...but what I saw today was impressive. Especially when it is still May.



There were strawberries, and asparagus, mushrooms and grass fed beef, vegan burgers and farm fresh eggs, Ohio maple syrup, honey, and so many plants and flowers I forgot where I actually was!

Needless to say, if you have not visited this wonderful market, you must. It happens every Saturday from now until late fall. Get ready for a lot of great local produce, and artisanal goodies. You can also feel a strong sense of community here, and it was only my first go-round!

Clintonville Farmers Market
The market is located in Clintonville along the west side of North High Street at Dunedin Road between Orchard Lane and Torrence Road. Open Saturdays until Oct 29, 2011.

The West Side Market of Cleveland

Clearly, I could not have gone to Cleveland without paying a visit to the West Side Market. Everyone in Columbus who knew anything about food told me that I had to check it out, on my first ever trip to the city by the lake.



So on Saturday morning, my daughter and I said goodbye to the other half of the family who were heading to the R&R Hall of fame. Instead, we took a cab a few miles from downtown Cleveland to what I was told was a North Market-like place, but better.



I didn't know what to expect, really. It was only after we got there that I learned that there are TWO buildings to this market: one is devoted solely to fruits and vegetables while the other houses everything else.



I had to take it all in slowly. Now that I have gotten used to our North Market where the vendors don't bother you, and where you pretty much know where to get your stuff (one or two options for each kind of food). At the West Side Market, there were many options, for everything.



Take MEAT, for example. They must love their meat in Cleveland. There are several vendors selling beef, pork, bison, chicken, among others. I saw a few seafood stalls, several dairy product vendors, coffee roasters, and even a crepe place!



There were also a few bakeries to choose from, but I was told to get my baguette from Christopher's to go with the cheese and salami that we had bought for our lunch-picnic by the lake.



I was tempted to purchase produce in the other building where vendors tried to lure you to buy their good-value products (from oranges to star-fruit)...reminding me of my days at the North End market in Boston.



Without our own transportation, and a kitchen that was a couple of days away, I did not feel like I could partake in all the buying fun. But do I wish that I could have bought everything there? YES, of course!



We did enjoy our picnic later with some goods bought from the market. And we did treat ourselves to a hot crepe filled with lemon curd and mascarpone cheese.

When we finally found another taxi to take us to our next destination (can't flag a taxi there either, I learned), the cab driver informed me, with his middle-eastern accent, that:

"You know, we have another market like this, on the East side of town!"

"Really?" I said, then jokingly asked "Is it called the East Side Market?"

"Yeah, how did you know?" replied the driver, with an impish grin.


I didn't know, in fact. And I am a bit dubious since my food people from Columbus didn't say anything about this East Side place. But I am happy to learn that there are still many more places to discover in Cleveland, should I return there hungry.

"North Market", Bangkok Style

When "Cool Columbus" is away from Columbus, I am still determined to bring you something interesting, from near and far.

This time, I am taking you through the Jatujak Market in Bangkok (also known as JJ Market), which is somewhat the equivalent of the North Market in Columbus...just, well, very Thai, and a whole lot bigger.



First, we have to have garlic. Thai food would be dismal without these bulbs! Check out all the different kinds.



Then, we need grilled pork (with Thai sticky rice). And all sorts of other grilled meats, fruits, vegetables, you name it, it's there being grilled. The place is constantly in action with the vendors cooking right here and now. Fresh food, the fast way. Not to be confused with fast food.



And of course, Thai fruits...including these durians that are either loved or loathed. I happen to love them.



There are also prepared foods everywhere you look. These are huge pots of curries.



There is also plenty of fresh seafood off the boat.



And chestnut being roasted the Chinese way (with hot pebbles).



And meats, butchered right before your eyes.



Every time I come back here, I wish I had a stomach many times larger than what it is. Each stall of food vendor offers something so very different, and so very comforting and nostalgic for me. My senses go a little insane smelling and seeing everything together in one place. It's rather overwhelming, albeit in the best possible way.

Pearl Market

I am just learning about Pearl Market downtown. I am learning that it's not just a farmer's market, but there is a bit of craft, handmade goods, food trucks and live music! I can see looking forward to Tuesdays and Fridays if I were to work downtown Columbus. I would look forward to saying hi and being fed by the local farmers and chefs, visiting artisans and musicians alike. Does this happen in the winter, too? I guess I can go here, to find out!