Gina Rossi
Latest Reviews
Printers Row Farmers Market
Always glad to have this small Farmer's market in the neighborhood during the season (mid-June through late-October). I do wish it was open even an hour later… as most of the other farmer's markets in the city stay open until 3pm. Although it's a *much* smaller market than the others near by (Federal Plaza on Tuesday, and Daley Plaza on Thursday), it really does have a nice selection of seasonal produce, baked goods, cheese, eggs, bundles of flowers, etc. Some years, there has been vendors with made-to-order hot foods; dog treats; soaps & honeys… One thing I *really* wish would pop up is a vendor that has fresh milk (organic cow & goat), as well as a vendor that has a selection of fresh (refrigerated or flash-frozen) meat cuts.
The chill vibe, sans hustle-bustle of the larger (weekday) markets makes for a perfectly charming, weekend outing in our awesome little neighborhood!
The chill vibe, sans hustle-bustle of the larger (weekday) markets makes for a perfectly charming, weekend outing in our awesome little neighborhood!
Federal Plaza Farmer's Market
Although this isn't the largest Farmer's market in the Loop — Daley Plaza takes that cake on Thursdays — the Federal Plaza market is by far my favorite. I can walk to both from where I live, but love the more intimate, less bustle-y scene at the Tuesday a.m. market at Federal Plaza. In the eight years that I've lived in the Loop, I've gone to one or both of those markets nearly every week of the season …so, this review definitely comes with due diligence :-D
Aside from the added convenience of being able to hit the [albeit not-as-delightful an experience] U.S. Post Office when needed… I've also found you don't have to get there at the absolute crack of dawn if you want in on the best produce, flowers and baked goods. AND, unlike the Daley Plaza market, there are hardly ever lines to wait through (and if there are, it might be 2-3 customers, max… opposed to the frequent 6-8 at Daley).
Sure, there is a much wider selection at the Daley market (e.g. more vendors, goods not available at Federal, as well as several great made-to-order food options)… but for the staples that I absolutely want from week-to-week, Federal Plaza is hands-down my fave (actually, even including outside of the Loop—I've been to most, though not all).
I love having both [Federal and Daley] markets around from Spring to Fall — but I have to say: the bonus amount of joy that (to me) is added by the camaraderie of an opportunity-in-time to not just "buy stuff", but also share conversation with the vendors… it's what genuinely makes the Federal Plaza Farmer's Market a highlight of each week.
Aside from the added convenience of being able to hit the [albeit not-as-delightful an experience] U.S. Post Office when needed… I've also found you don't have to get there at the absolute crack of dawn if you want in on the best produce, flowers and baked goods. AND, unlike the Daley Plaza market, there are hardly ever lines to wait through (and if there are, it might be 2-3 customers, max… opposed to the frequent 6-8 at Daley).
Sure, there is a much wider selection at the Daley market (e.g. more vendors, goods not available at Federal, as well as several great made-to-order food options)… but for the staples that I absolutely want from week-to-week, Federal Plaza is hands-down my fave (actually, even including outside of the Loop—I've been to most, though not all).
I love having both [Federal and Daley] markets around from Spring to Fall — but I have to say: the bonus amount of joy that (to me) is added by the camaraderie of an opportunity-in-time to not just "buy stuff", but also share conversation with the vendors… it's what genuinely makes the Federal Plaza Farmer's Market a highlight of each week.