At the farmers market early
I stopped at the farmers market under the viaduct on my way to the gym this morning. It was early, a little before 7 a.m., and a lot of the vendors weren't set up yet. But I was able to get the one thing I had come for -- Eastern Shore strawberries.
I was struck by how it looked more like a garden store than a farmers market that early and this time of year. Most of the people who were set up by then were selling flowers, flowering plants, hanging baskets and vegetable plants and herbs. The tables overflowed with greens and lettuces.
When I got to the gym the woman behind the counter asked me if it was raining. I said a little, and she said, "Too bad. I wanted to go to the farmers market." But almost all of it is under cover. Don't let that stop you.
Comments
It was pleasantly nearly empty, at least until I left around 8. Lots of strawberries, still asparagus. I noticed green onion prices varied wildly, from 75 cents to $3.50, and I didn't check the organic prices.
Lots more vendors with mixed bags of greens this year. I approve.
More radishes this week, still rhubarb and some apples. The crab guy had soft crabs.
No excuse not to go today. It isn't raining that hard, most of the market is under cover and a number of vendors had sales. Only saw one dog, didn't get rammed by a single stroller.
Posted by: Lissa | May 17, 2009 8:20 AM
We were also there early. We got strawberries (the people next to the salsa guys on the Gay street end have the best in my experience). We also got black bean and roasted corn salsa from the salsa guys. Best of all we have two soft shell whales wriggling in the fridge waiting for lunch time.
Posted by: Jon Parker | May 17, 2009 8:41 AM
We were also there pretty early and noticed that the craft people had been moved to an area flyers were calling the "bazaar" (across the street)? I suppose it makes sense to give spots to vendors selling things that are edible, but I can't imagine the craft vendors are happy about being separated in a different area?
Does anyone know if this is a one-time thing or a permanent move?
Posted by: Michelle | May 17, 2009 9:01 AM
I didn't get to the Market until about 8:30-quarter to nine. By that time parking was becming a challenge, but that was mostly the way "we" seemed to be going about it. Got a couple of apples from Reid's, as well as planter full of growing mixed lettuce. (I never got around to planting the lettuce seeds that I bought - they'll keep until fall - and then i planted something else there.) The city was giving away free trees so I finally got the Dogwood I've been coveting. It's a scrawny little thing, but I'm sure that, with encouragement, it'll fill out nicely.
The craftspeople have been permanently moved. I went to the City's Office of Promotions and Events website but couldn't find an email address, so I called the only phone # given and left a voice mail. (Not at all satisfying, but since when has the City of Baltimore cared about my, or anyone else's satisfaction??)
And by the way, I read somewhere that Hamilton/Lauraville will be having a Farmer's Market/Crafts Fair on Tuesday evenings starting June 2.
Posted by: Eve | May 17, 2009 10:32 AM
It appears to be permanent, Michelle. I have no idea where the craft vendors are now, even though there are flyers being handed out everywhere.
I never bought from them much, but wherever they've been moved to is the Baltimore equivalent of Siberia.
Posted by: Lissa | May 17, 2009 10:37 AM
We got there at 8 and parking was hard even then. Got some of the beautiful strawberries and then some fresh cream!
I saw the flyers, too. But still can't figure out where the craft market is located. Stupid idea. They just killed it if people can't find it.
Posted by: Pigtown | May 17, 2009 11:53 AM
There are fresh local strawberries, crab, and soft crabs being sold off of the Mt. Carmel Road exit on I-83. The sellers seem to be a fixture on the weekends.
Posted by: NotableM | May 17, 2009 1:28 PM
OK - if you park in the big lot, under the JFX, sort of katti-cornered to the Market? And you cross to the corner that the Saxophone Guy used to be on? That parking lot behind (now gone) saxophone guy? THAT is where the craftspeople are.
Posted by: Eve | May 17, 2009 3:57 PM
Picked up strawberries & asparagus (next to the salsa guys), coffee (Zeke's) and steaks (Albright Farms???). Snacked on the s-berries while cleaning them... AWESOME. Had the steak and asparagus for dinner... both fantastic. It was our 1st time to the market but definitely won't be our last!
Posted by: GregBWorking | May 17, 2009 8:37 PM
I was told by Dave Reid to expect the local (in his case, Adams County) strawberries in about two weeks. Much of the strawberries you would have seen today are from Va. or N.C., I'm guessing.
My tip of the day: excellent lamb sausage from a new lamb vendor next to the regular sausage/pit guy on the Gay St. end.
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | May 17, 2009 10:07 PM
The strawberries I got were from the Eastern Shore.
Posted by: Lissa | May 18, 2009 6:47 AM
Eve, that was a classic example of giving directions, Baltimore style, esp. the bit about that "parking lot behind (now gone) saxophone guy."
Posted by: Dahlink | May 18, 2009 8:05 AM
Dahlink, it's also the corner where the Obama tee shirt guy was all last season. People who've noticed the lack of craftspeople have been there before and should remeber - have supported - Saxophone Guy. (I believe in supporting street music.)
Posted by: Eve | May 18, 2009 9:59 AM