Rise ‘n Roll Amish Market - Eat Dessert First
By Staff in Food on Dec 7, 2010 7:00PM
Winter has arrived. There are so many things to look forward to as the seasons change and the Chicago landscape turns into arctic tundra, but what’s the MOST anticipated part of the winter season? If you said overindulgence, you are absolutely right. What should be the first addition to your newly-camouflaged muffin top? How about cinnamon-sugar caramel donuts, chocolate whoopie pies, and fresh apple fritters? Drooling yet?
Enter Rise ‘n Roll Amish Market. Rise ‘n Roll, familiar to farmers market shoppers as a regular seller at Daley Plaza Market, opened a retail shop in the loop earlier this fall. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by the nicest Amish lady on the planet. She then reaffirmed our immediate love of her (and her bonnet) with the two words we always want to hear when you’re in a market: ‘Free Sample?’ Their treats are so addictive; they are daring you not to buy them after you’ve had a taste. While we were huddled around the register, sampling soft chocolate chip cookies, dark chocolate-covered cashew crunch, and peanut crisp, the Amish attendant was explaining the all-natural ingredients (and love) that went into each sweet treat. And by love…I think she meant butter. Lots and lots of butter.
Everything is baked fresh daily and shipped in from their main facility in Middlebury, Indiana. They’re constantly adding new products, including sugar-free and gluten-free items, and savory treats. In addition to baked goods, the market offers a wide array of jams, jellies, dried nuts and fruits, canned and pickled vegetables, pasta, cheese, meat, and packaged candy. If you want to conduct a test of your willpower, go into Rise ‘n Roll, buy a cinnamon-sugar caramel donut (otherwise known as a ‘yeast raised donut’) and try to put it down after one bite. They are lightly covered in caramel and then heavily dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. So smooth and creamy, you might want to make an advance order because sometimes they run out.
The only downside? Rise ‘n Roll’s hours aren’t the best. They are only open Tuesday-Friday from 7am-3pm at 42 S. Clark St. If you can make a point to go there to check out the donuts, granola bars, and more - do it. Everything is extremely reasonably priced (you can get 6 donuts for $6 or a whoopie pie for $1.25) and they even offer free coffee with any purchase.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in an Amish market, eat dessert first (especially when bikini season is so far away). Indulge - you know you want to.
By Taylor Malloy