Best of Spring in Chicago: Farmers' Markets
Pizza might one of Chicagoans' favorite foods, but come spring, fresh vegetables and fruits from the city's farmers' markets take the spotlight.
Pretty much any day of the week, you will find a farmers' market in Chicago where locals go for lunch or to pick up fresh produce, as well as organic meats, cheeses, breads, and fresh flowers. The Green City market on Wednesday mornings in Lincoln Park is also a great spot for breakfast, with coffee and fresh baked goods and breakfast egg sandwiches.
A couple of my favorite farmers' markets include:
Green City Market - Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - 1750 N. Clark St. - http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/. Named as one of America's best farmers' markets by USAToday. Sells loads of organic produce, meats and cheeses. Free cups of coffee. Cooking demonstrations to improve your culinary skills from some of Chicago's top chefs (and speaking of "top chefs" - Green City is the market where contestants from Bravo's Top Chef Chicago had one of their challenges). Come fall, the market is my favorite place to get a pumpkin. If you happen to go this Saturday, May 17th, at 9 a.m. the market is hosting a rally to support sustainable farming and their 10th anniversary.
Daley Plaza - Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. - 50 W. Washington St. - http://www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us/. Prime location - right in downtown Chicago. Great spot for lunch, and great people watching.
A new market opened near the Sears Tower at 233 S. Wacker and is on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. I have not had a chance to check it out yet, but heard they will be selling ice cream. Great treat on a hot summer day.