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About a Mile from the Neighborhood Center, Market Has Some Familar Farms
After a two-year hiatus, the Logan Square seasonal indoor farmers market made its return on Saturday (November 9). With a mix of familiar and newer vendors, the market — which will be open every Saturday through March 29 — will be a valuable winter local food resource for folks living in and around the middle of Chicago's North Side.
Be aware, though, that if you go to the food-centric hub of the Logan Square neighborhood looking for this market, you're going to feel a bit lost. The winter market is at 2537 N. Pulaski Rd., a mile or so west from the site of the community's super-popular outdoor summer market.
The market is in an open space in a distinctive black stone building that is home to the Breakfast for Dinner creative and marketing agency. Visitors should be aware that the layout is a little funky, and if you don't have your eyes wide open, you can miss some of the market's best stuff.
The main room has some producers with names familiar to many of our region's farmers market aficionados, such as River Valley Ranch mushrooms (Burlington, Wisconsin) in the photo below and Jacobson Family Farms (Antioch, Illinois).
There are vendors that have a smaller presence but nonetheless have gained a foothold on the region's farmers market scene.
Zeitlin's Delicatessen (Chicago), whose bialys I dearly love.
Bennett Farms (Edwardsburg, Michigan) is a veteran-owned pasture-raised livestock farm.
Mimi's Kimbap (Chicago) sells delicious, handmade Korean seaweed rolls in a variety of flavors.
There are also several vendors, mostly selling sweet treats, of which I wasn't previously familiar.
With my rolling backpack almost full, I was about to head out when I spied an alcove with more product. I'm glad I investigated., because I otherwise would have missed...
... what may be one of the world's narrowest, longest farmstands.
Geneva Lakes Produce Farm (Burlington, Wisconsin) is a longtime favorite of shoppers at markets that include the Logan Square and Evanston outdoor summer locations. In order to deploy its prolific produce in the tight space they occupy in the Logan Square winter market, their display is one long, long table.
I've been acquainted with Geneva Lakes for a number of years, and in March 2023 shared a fundraising appeal when the farm suffered a fire that destroyed three of its buildings and much of its vital equipment. I was gratified to learn on Saturday that the farm is almost completely recovered.
If you live around southern Wisconsin or are interested in a late fall country ride, Geneva Lakes is holding a Customer Appreciation Day on November 24, with farm tours and looks inside the new shed, their pack house and their greenhouse. The farm is located at 1223 Clausen Rd. in Burlington; text your RSVP to 262-716-7930 if you plan to go.
Jake's Country Meats (Cassopolis, Michigan), a longstanding favorite at a number of regional farmers markets, is tucked into another part of the alcove.
Finally, my market haul: Brussels sprouts and onions from Jacobson Family Farms; cremini mushrooms from River Valley Ranch; whole chicken, chicken thighs and chicken brats from Bennett Farms; Empire apples from Geneva Lakes; and bialys (and a bagel) from Zeitlin's.
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