Most weekends we head to the Mill City Farmer’s Market in downtown Minneapolis just off the Mississippi River. This is one of many offered in the city, but on Saturday mornings it is hard to think of a better place to be. This market was founded by Brenda Langton, a fabulous local chef. The market is located in the train shed of the Mill City Museum and spills out into the plaza between that building and the Guthrie Theatre.
One of the reasons that this particular market is so great is because their mission is to, “…promote local, sustainable and organic agriculture…” You won’t find any pineapples or mangos at this market! While the number of stands is much fewer than those at the nearby Lyndale Avenue Market, the quality is guaranteed. Over the past three years we have been happy to see the Mill City Farmer’s market grow with more vendors and plenty more customers. These photos are from last weekend’s trip to the market with Steph, Isla, and Ellen. We found an adorable organic cotton hat for Isla along with our fruits and veggies.
We strongly recommend 2 things at this market for all newcomers. First, check out the chef shack and purchase a bag of Indian spiced Mini Donuts. These are unlike any other mini donuts you will ever have. They are the perfect mix of crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Second, if sweet is not in your morning vocabulary, grab a delicious McDonnor Family Breakfast Sandwich. Super tasty with your morning coffee.
The Chef Shack ALWAYS has a long line of customers
This past weekend we were visiting friends in Milwaukee and Madison. Any trip to Madison must include a visit to the Dane County Farmer’s Market that surrounds the capitol square. We were introduced to this market when Mike was in law school at UW-Madison. This market claims to be the “largest producer-only farmer’s market in the country”! This market is quite large and vendors fill all four sides of the square. We have a routine down for visiting the DCFM.
First, visit Cafe Soleil which is on the first floor of the restaurant L’etoile (more about that restaurant in a later post). This cafe has something called “Magic Coffee” and it truly is as it’s name suggests, magic. Compliment your coffee with an almond marzipan croissant, an herbed chevre croissant, or a spice girl. Each of which is equally tasty. Next, start off around the square.
Audrey, 2.5 year old daughter of our friends Pam and Will, drinking "coffee" like a big girl
Large crowds at the Dane County Farmer's Market
The crowds get large here, so unless you are at the market very early, be prepared to stroll among the locals. We try to be strategic about which side of the square we start on because one of the last things that we must do is stop at the Hook’s Cheese stand. The Hook family makes amazing cheddar cheese as well as a number of tasty flavored cheeses.
Amazing produce
Beautiful hanging peppers
The Hook’s cheddar was as good as advertised. In fact, I would dare say it is the best cheddar cheese I have ever had. Really.
The cheese bread and pie were also big hits. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
-Peter