brunosdream

As summer fades into the sunset and the basil begins to wilt in my garden, let’s take another look at the bounties of Soulard Market. After previously doing a post on the market in which I complained about the slim pickin’s, I decided to give the market a second look a few weeks ago, this time on a Saturday rather than a Wednesday. What I found was a bustling market w/ farmers and customers galore! What a difference a day makes!!

Here are a few photos from my recent visit…    

Previous visit:

This visit:

                  

              

              

              

              

              

The new fish store at the market that was under construction is now open for business too…

                   

On a farm somewhere in Missouri, a Farmgirl is still managing to squeeze out some nice crops (see her Oct. 14th post) so I guess even now you might find some farm fresh goodies at Soulard Market!

Until next time, some words to ponder: Water separates the people of the world, food unites them… and so does a nice glass of wine, perhaps a hardy zinfandel!!            

Bruno

I hadn’t intended on doing a post on some of St. Louis’

oldest neighborhoods. Initially I was just planning on

making a visit to the city’s largest farmers market,

Soulard Market, to see what had changed (I hadn’t

visited the market in over 10 years). As you can see

by this photo, the market is located just south of downtown.

I found that the market hadn’t changed much, but it

 

is on the verge of some new and welcome additions

such as this new fish and meat store under construction.

Also, many loft apartments are popping up next door

in the old baby carriage factory.

The market still has a long way to go before reaching the level

of the farmers markets in San Francisco,or even the one I

discovered awhile back in Columbus, Ohio. The pickings were

slim, but maybe that’s because I visited on a Wednesday.

Hopefully on a Saturday these empty stalls will be brimming

w/ fresh produce from the many local farms that surround

St. Louis. By the looks of the market map they will!

Even though I wasn’t impressed by the market on

day I visited I was taken in by the beauty, charm and

vibrancy of the neighborhoods that surround it. Here are

a few shots from my walking tour of the Soulard neighborhood:

Soulard is also home to many good restaurants. One of my

favorites is Norton’s which serves good Cajun and Creole

cookin’ and has a great outdoor seating area. Take a look:

One of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations also happens

in the Soulard neighborhood and as you will see I stumbled

across some remnants of the tradition…

 

On my way back home I decided to stop at one of the former

city hospitals (just west of Soulard) which sat abandoned and

crumbling for years but is now being converted into

apartments and commercial space. It’s looking pretty good…

From there I headed west to Lafayette Square.

St. Louis’ French heritage is reflected in the names of certain

neighborhoods as well as in some its architecture.

Located on the northern edge of Lafayette Square is

Eleven Eleven Mississippi Restaurant 

and their new sister restaurant Vin de Set which just

opened in mid-June.

These restaurants are both located in old warehouses,

giving them an open, rustic feel. New loft apartments and

townhouses are springing up all around. I haven’t been to

Vin de Set for a meal but plan to very soon w/ a group of my

food loving friends! Keep an eye out for the post.

Until then, eat well and play hard….

Bruno

I went to San Francisco over the weekend for my

sister’s wedding reception and was lucky enough

to have time to stop by the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s

Market to pick up some of my favorite pepper

jam from the Tierra Vegetables booth (which by

the way is great on toast w/ peanut butter for

breakfast!). While there I also picked up something

else which is the main ingredient for the mystery

food that I’m cooking up for a friend’s birthday

party later this week. By looking at the photo

can you tell what’s cookin’? (The answer and final

product will be in a post later this week!)

Until then, happy cooking….

Bruno

My job requires a lot of traveling.

While on the road I sometimes have the opportunity

to explore cities to search out what they have to offer

relative to food and wine. While in Columbus recently I

had some down time so I did a walk-about in downtown.

Just a couple of blocks from my hotel I found this great

market which appeared to be very popular w/ the locals.

The place is called The North Market and is home to many

interesting food vendors.

According to the brochure I picked up, the market was

established in 1876 as a place where people could

gather together to shop, eat, mingle and enjoy themselves.

Among other things, the market offers…

Fresh fish and eggs

Bread and chocolate

Produce and pasta

Ice cream and pastries

Spices and even…

Wedding cakes!

So next time you’re in Columbus, stop by The North Market.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Bruno