You may not know it, but on Saturday mornings, the Park Blocks outside the Smith Memorial Student Union and Neuberger Hall transforms into a foodie’s paradise.
Photo by Daniel Johnston
Picture it: heaps of organic vegetables and fruit—picked that morning—mounds of musky mushrooms and loads of loaves, dusty with flour and still warm from the bakery.
It’s probably the best—if not the most famous—farmers market in the state, and it’s right at our doorstep.
The Portland Farmers Market comes to life weekly from March to December, bringing dozens of local farmers, fishers, foragers and artisanal food producers into the heart of the city.
If you’ve lived on campus or nearby for a full school year, you’ll know that in late summer peaches, squash and tomatoes will fill the market.
Come fall, the New Mexico-style chile roasters will load up their metal mesh drum roaster with fresh green chiles and, thanks to a roaring fire, fill the air with the rich, tempting smell of roasted hatch chiles.
Looking for apples for a pie? You’ll find dozens of varieties to sample and great advice from the farmer herself.
If you’re not a chef, don’t despair. You’ll find several rows of vendors ready to cook up your breakfast or lunch, from vegan Indian soup to pasture-raised corn beef hash and free-range eggs.
Here are a few tastes you shouldn’t miss:
If you’re into baked goods, you’ll find some of the city’s best bagels—baked in a mini wood-fired oven that’s a tiny trailer on wheels—from Tastebud Farm, usually parked between SMSU and Cramer Hall. Also try their thick-crust pizza and amazing pita pocket sandwiches.
If you love mint, amble over to Seely Family Farm for mint tea and handmade peppermint patties that will make you forget the name “York.”
The all-butter crust in Lauretta Jean’s full-size pies and smaller hand pies is guaranteed to make you swoon. Rich, tender and crispy at the same time, the crust is almost as amazing as the sweet and savory fillings inside.
At Jacobs Creamery, you’ll find rich, velvety vanilla and chocolate pudding, handmade butter, ricotta, fromage blanc and creme fraiche. Sample a variety of cheeses.