GRDine

It is my pleasure to once again bring on a guest blogger to discuss her food experiences in Grand Rapids.  Katie brings us our first non-restaurant post, but which is still entirely relevant to the purpose of this blog: to discuss food experiences only Grand Rapids can provide.  Enjoy this post regarding the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.  -JD

Note:  While this review is not of a local restaurant, the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is a Grand Rapids gem that is a must-know/must-do for individuals taking their dining experience from the restaurant to their home!

If you have ever driven down Fulton Street near Fuller Avenue on a Saturday morning in the summertime, you have probably noticed the satchel-toting pedestrians and car-lined street and parking lot of the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.  Offering a bounty of local Michigan produce and goods, the Market is frequented by conscious individuals who understand the importance of buying and eating local.  The Market carries seasonal produce, flowers and plants, and an eclectic spread of goods such as breads, organic teas, natural soaps and jewelry.  For concerned omnivores, the Market also offers local and naturally-raised meats, as well as gourmet cheeses.  The Market’s offerings vary from week to week, and it is an exciting challenge to base one’s weekly culinary endeavors on what is “in-season” at the time.

This Saturday, when I went to the Market, common produce included lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, onions, peas, red potatoes, peppers and more.  I was amazed at the price of red peppers, .75 cents for one, which are commonly at least triple the price in grocery stores.  For those looking for organic produce, relatively few farmers at the Market are certified organic.  This certification, I was told, can be a lengthy process.  I personally strive to buy as much organic produce as possible but will buy non-organic produce at the Market given the indisputable benefits of supporting local farmers who leave less of a carbon footprint than their large-scale corporate farm counterparts.

Tips for the Farmer’s Market:

1-Bring plenty of cash.

2-Bring a reusable bag with you for carrying goods.

3-Come with a creative mind and be willing to buy produce you may not typically use in your cooking.  New culinary adventures await you!

My personal culinary adventures…from Market to the table:

“Fresh tomato, basil and garlic bruschetta accompanied by olive oil glazed crostinis” -Katie Holmes