Omnivore - Best Bets this week at area farmers markets
Fresh happenings at local farmers markets
Spring is in full swing and farmers markets are bursting with colorful and diverse produce. We spotted a few new things to look out for while loading your basket with artisinal cheeses, foraged mushrooms, and fancy pickles. Here are 5 Best Bets to seek out at Atlanta farmers markets this week.
Beltline Goods
There is a new farmers market in town! On Tuesday, May 3 the Beltline Shed, an open-aired patio alongside the Beltline’s Eastside Trail (just north of the North Ave. bridge), launches Ponce City Farmers Market. The market, featuring fresh produce, prepared foods, and health and beauty products will open every Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. through December 20. The expansive public patio is another place to enjoy food from PCM’s food stalls with over 100 seats and city views. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. Old Fourth Ward. www.poncecitymarket.com.
Farm to Book to Table
Community Farmers Markets, the group that includes Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, Decatur, West Side Provisions, and Ponce City Market/Beltline, has a new takeaway from the markets. Seasonal cookbooks edited by Alex Lampert serve as a portrait of the CFM growing community. Flipping through the pages with hand drawn illustrations by Bang Tran are recipes from local farmers and vendors, highlighting what they grow and make. The spring issue also includes recipes from local chefs Steven Satterfield (Miller Union), Zach Meloy (Better Half), Billy Allin (Cakes and Ale), Terry Koval (Wrecking Bar), and cookbook author Virginia Willis. www.cfmatl.org.
Wednesdays are a Thing
Peachtree Road Farmers Market launched a weekly Wednesday market last week. Every Wednesday, from 4:30 to 8 P.M., Atlantans can take a break from cooking with food and drink from familiar Saturday market vendors, new vendors, and a rotating schedule of chefs. Each week, the Wednesday market will also feature tastings from a local craft brewery, like Second Self Beer Co., Monday Night Brewing, Orpheus Brewing, or Wrecking Bar Brewpub. 2744 Peachtree Rd. Buckhead. www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.
They Came in Like a Wrecking Barn
New at year-round Freedom Farmers Market is a stall chock-full of goodies grown at Wrecking Barn Farm. The farm harvests organic produce for its sister restaurant, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, just 30 miles away in Little Five Points. Already cultivating seven acres in Loganville at the former Dillwood Farms, the Wrecking Barn encompasses 63 acres. The farm uses organic practices, crop rotation, and cover cropping. 453 Freedom Pkwy. Old Fourth Ward. www.freedomfarmersmkt.com
Put Your Brunch in a Box
Can’t make it to the market but have a hankering for brunch? Let Georgia Crafted bring a Georgia Brunch directly to your door. Their Brunch in a Box features: Savannah Bloody Mary Mix,
Phickles Pickles “Okies,”
Hibiscus Jelly from Piedmont Provisions, Granola from The Cookie Studio), Rev Coffee, and Caramel Sea Salt Cream Cheese Pound Cake from JudiCakes. You can mix that bloody Mary before 12:30 even. www.georgiacrafted.com/product/brunch-in-a-box.