Welcome to Three Reasons, a new online column that tells you exactly why to visit certain spots around town. We won’t just tell you that a new restaurant has opened, we’ll tell you what dish we’d get there. We won’t simply report that a festival is happening this weekend, we’ll tell you which parts can’t be missed. Consider them recommendations or think of them as simple suggestions. Either way, here’s three reasons … The North City Farmers’ Market has reached a state of perfect ripeness and is about to fall from the tree; i.e., the market’s season is about to end and the final 2010 to-do sounds juicy.
Forthwith, three reasons to spend this Saturday bidding adieu to the North City Farmers’ Market (in addition to the peppers, okra, garlic, squash, cucumbers, beets, beans, cabbage, herbs, fruit, spinach, chard, eggs, flowers, coffee, tea and crafts, of course):
1. Two of the area’s most charismatic and accomplished chefs will compete in a 90-minute, Iron Chef-style cook-off: Chase Park Plaza’s executive chef Brian Hale will take on Sage Urban American Grill’s executive chef and partner Jack Mac Murray III. The chefs will use ultra-fresh items furnished by vendors right there at the market. Even the panel of judges is impressive – Jim Fiala of The Crossing, Liluma, Acero and The Terrace View; and Bob Colosomo of Eleven Eleven Mississippi will choose the winner. Even better? Market shoppers can vote for a people’s choice award.
2. Also at the market’s climactic day, you’ll find live music, a beginning gardening class, a cacti display, local art, a brownie contest and more.
3. The rejuvenation of Old North St. Louis is a heartwarming thing to behold. You’ll want to stroll around the area surrounding the market to see all the new shops, galleries, cafes and more.
This article appears in Oct 1-31, 2010.