The Mill City Farmers Market

Nothing says summer like a hearty farmers market, and I’ve discovered one that surely passes muster. Nestled between the Mill City Museum and the iconic Guthrie Theater lies the Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM), an indoor-outdoor event that not only offers up tasty local fare, but also challenges the market goer to wander between two worlds: the historic Mill City, which had its heyday in the late 1800’s when flour was king, and the progressive hub of arts and culture that Minneapolis is today. As if this weren’t already a top-notch setting, the Mississippi River rips through its channel just a stone’s throw from the Guthrie’s steps, where a sated gourmet might sit after wolfing down a few spiced mini-donuts from Chef Shack, one of the market’s renowned vendors. (Guilty as charged.)

View of the MCFM looking toward the Guthrie

View of the MCFM looking toward the museum

The MCFM got its start in 2006, when local restaurateur Brenda Langton teamed up with the Mill City Museum to promote healthy foods and local farmers. Since then, the market has grown to host over sixty vendors who are committed to educating their customers about local agriculture and empowering them to make intentional choices about the food they buy. The market is among a growing number in the United States.

This resurgence signals something "deep and poignant" about our desires, claims social innovator Rachel Botsman in her recent book about collaborative consumption (aka the share economy). She says it reflects the desire to both create a sense of community in our economy and restore the connection between consumer and producer. As I strolled from vendor to vendor last weekend at the MCFM, that’s exactly what I witnessed: lively conversation between shoppers and farmers about growing techniques and seasonal food around the exchange of local goods.

I also saw, and tasted, so many of these: 

Radishes from Uptown Farmers

Each variety had its own yummy appeal, but I settled on a bundle of the French Breakfasts from Uptown Farmers. And as soon as I started pedaling home, with a bag choc full of veggies slung over my shoulder, I remembered a photo of some fine looking radishes in the June issue of bon appetit. Over lunch I later found the spread featuring nose-to-tail pioneer Fergus Henderson, who suggests how to eat the red beauts. It was so simple and delicious that I've got to share:

HOW TO EAT RADISHES AT THEIR PEAK

4 servings: Pile 16-20 scrubbed French Breakfast radishes with pert green leaves still attached onto a plate. Set out a bowl of coarse sea salt and a dish of slightly softened best-quality butter. Pick up a radish, spread a bit of butter on it, sprinkle with salt, and eat the radish. Place the leaves in a bowl. Drizzle the leaves with ¼ cup Dijon Vinaigrette, season to taste with salt and pepper, and enjoy as a salad. 

DIJON VINAIGRETTE 

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Double yum. 

I had a terrific first experience at the Mill City Farmers Market, and I'm keen on making regular visits to it and other markets near my home in South Minneapolis, too. If you're on the prowl (like me) for a convenient place to fetch your greens, you can find the locations of more than fifty Twin Cities area farmers markets here. Or perhaps you already have a favorite farmers market? No matter if you're near or far, I'd love to hear about it. Do share.