May Events at the Downtown Farmstand

By Megan Tempest in Food on May 6, 2010 2:20PM

Have you been patiently waiting for May's bounty of seasonal vegetables, like asparagus, kale, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, and sorrel? Not ready to commit to a CSA program? Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand offers a fabulous assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, along with tasty condiments, preserves, baked goods and locally-produced ethnic foods. Everything you'll find at the Farmstand is produced within 250 miles of our city.

May events at the Farmstand

Wednesday Cooking Demos, 11am - 1pm
The Culinary Programs and Events Division of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs holds cooking demonstrations from 11am - 1pm each Wednesday at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand. Dishes will be prepared with products available in the Farmstand that day. Stop by to taste and learn, then get the recipes online.

Thursday, May 13: Purple Asparagus, 12pm - 2pm
On May 13 from 12pm - 2pm, join Melissa Graham from Purple Asparagus with her hands-on culinary activities for kids of all ages.

Friday Vendor Trunk Shows
Stop by any Friday afternoon in May to meet your local food artisans and sample their products. Tastings include:

-Friday, May 7, 12pm - 2pm
Nut butters, three-seed brittle and chocolate turtles from Futters Nut Butters

-Friday, May 14, 12pm - 2pm
Vietnamese Bánh mì Sandwiches and Gỏi Cuốn (Shrimp Salad Rolls) from Saigon Sisters

-Friday, May 21, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Chocolate truffles from Katherine Ann Confections

-Friday, May 28, 12pm - 2pm
Granola bars from Eat Green Foods

New products at the Farmstand this year

Upton’s Naturals (Skokie, IL)- Chorizo-style seitan tamales con mole are 100% vegan; frozen for easy reheating. We adore Upton’s seitan, almost as much as our homemade version.

Olive Oyl Popcorn (Lake in the Hills, IL)- Locally-produced popcorn in single-portion bags. That’s great for portion control!

Snookelfritz Ice Cream (Evanston, IL)- Pint-sized artisanal ice creams in unique flavors such as Pear and Brown Butter and Salted Caramel Apple. If you’re going to eat ice cream, eat one like Snookelfritz that’s worth the calories.

Phoenix Tofu Soy Milk (Chicago, IL)- Local soy milk available sweetened or unsweetened in half gallons. A great dairy-free alternative with your cereal, latte, or in baked goods.

The Downtown Farmstand is located at 66 E Randolph Street
Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 11am - 7pm and Saturday, 11am - 4pm