There are some weekends that end up so jam-packed that I just don't have time to make it down to the Union Square Greenmarket. It might be work that needs catching up on, or laundry to be done before a trip, or just too many obligations all around. On those weekends, I'd always resigned myself to grocery store sourced produce - but no longer.One recent weekend, I decided to check out the Greenmarket's Saturday outpost at 82nd and 1st. I was utterly convinced that there would be little on offer that could compare to the Union Square pickings, and I was wrong. Though the selection is notably smaller, the quality of the produce is just as good as what you can find at Union Sqaure.
When I visited, there were piles of eggplant, some lovely peaches, gorgeous peppers, and - of course - mountains of summer squash and zucchini.
The 82nd Street market is tucked behind St. Stephen's, a Franciscan church, and uses the church's parking lot to house its meat, bread and cheese vendors. Ardith Mae had a beautifully spare display - their chalkboard-and-bare-wood aesthetic screamed "CHEESE" to me. (Their website is great, too - check it out for cute pictures of their goats.)
I walked home laden with potatoes, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and onions - not bad for a two-block walk and no subway ride. I might be a convert!
I have long been a fan of the little green market in my 'hood. There are only a handful of farmers/vendors each day but they always have lovely things. And like you said, not bad for 2 block walk and no subway ride.
ReplyDeleteI wish more people would go to their local greenmarkets. I feel bad on days when I pass by late in the afternoons and it looks like they've barely sold anything.
I wish that, too. I don't understand why anyone would go to Food Emporium, pay twice as much, and get crappy produce. Makes no sense to me!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was one on 82 and 1st. I usually go to the one on 92 and 1st because it's just across the street from me, but it's tiny and doesn't offer a lot of variety. I need to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteI had absolutely no idea this place existed. What a great find so close to me, to boot! I'll pay a visit soon, I'm sure.
ReplyDelete@jen and @julia: yay! so glad i've helped you discover this market! there are far more greenmarket outposts around the city than i ever knew about. i attended a greenmarket benefit last year, and one of the items in the gift bag was a map of all of the markets - it's huge!
ReplyDeletehere's a link to the online version (with business hours):
http://www.cenyc.org/files/gmkt/map.pdf