Farmers’ markets are often at odds with the weather. In the spring, they’re inundated with locavores browsing the organic produce while they munch on free samples of chevre. When it dips below 20 degrees, like it did this weekend, vegetable farmers can’t even make the trip, and the merchants are hard-pressed to get much of a turnout at all.
But at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties (2nd St. and Germantown Ave), manager Kyle Perry and local producers braved the cold to sell the fruits of their labor. This was the third Saturday running for the market, and as the temperatures rise and the ground thaws, they plan to extend to Sundays as well. The vendors come from the Greater Philadelphia area and South Jersey, boasting everything from farm-fresh quail, rabbit meat, goat’s milk soap, Fair Trade coffee, artisan bread, homemade jams and salsas, prepared soup, fresh-baked pies, tarts, quiches and even gourmet dog biscuits.
The Piazza is part of a new apartment complex-cum-outdoor shopping space, replete with a permanent stage and 26-foot TV screen. In the summer, musicians, artists, and other performers take the stage to crowds of families, fellow artists, and tourists stopping through. The farmer’s market will add to the fun, complementing these events with gourmet prepared food in addition to the local produce and baked goods, as well as cooking demonstrations making use of these ingredients.
The prices are good, the food is very tasty, and nearly every vendor has an interesting story accompanying their product (ask Kit Summers, the salsa guy, about his previous profession). It is a place not just to shop for groceries, but also to enjoy the company of others who genuinely enjoy good food. And if it gets too cold, you can duck into one of the many coffee shops, restaurants, or bars.
