Monday, August 17, 2009

International Bazzaar

I love to go to the farmer's market. By far my favorite farmer's market is the Dekalb International Farmer's Market. I used to work in Decatur and frequented the market at least a few times a week to buy randomness for the pantry and to try exotic foods that I'd never heard of and didn't know how to pronounce. I still love to do that, but it's on the other side of the planet now (not really, but sort of) so I rarely get there. Recently - not really recently, but not too long ago - I had a good excuse to go...one of my favorite eating partners was in town! And since Terri had never been there, it was the perfect excursion for us.

The market is a great big climate controlled warehouse with just about everything you can think of to eat contained inside. There is a fantastic wine and beer selection on one end of the market and rows of dried goods along the side. Right center is fresh produce from all over the world, organic and conventionally grown herbs, fruits, vegetables, and fungi that I have no idea what to do with. They have a bakery and there's a section of the market devoted to delicious freshly baked breads, muffins, and pastries. Oh, and there's a fish market inside where you can pick out your fish as it swims in a tank and they'll dress it while you wait! On the other end of the market is the meat market with all kinds of animal (and all their parts) for sale. Dairy foods include an amazing assortment of cheeses from around the world. A French-style pastry and sweet shop also provides single-size treats including beautiful fruit tarts, chocolate pies, cookies, bars, and other yummies! They sell freshly made pasta, roast their own coffee beans, and sell gourmet chocolate in bulk...this is my kind of place. This trip I bought some unusual spices, rose water, and chipotle dark chocolate covered almonds, among other things.


My favorite reason to go is to eat in the restaurant inside the market. Prepared from fresh ingredients right from the market, you can choose from a hot and cold bar of deliciousness. Now, I don't usually eat or promote eating from salad bars...but this is different. It's worth the risk. Must haves for me always include Indian samosas, whatever greens have been prepared for the day, and several things that I've never heard of, washed down with a sparkling beverage or fresh squeezed juice of my choice. On this day they also had mashed rutabaga, pickled beats, and some curried veggies that were irresistible. For the true foodie...It's heavenly!
If you're in the industrial area near downtown Decatur, or if you just need a road trip, check out the Dekalb International Farmer's Market. Wherever you are, it's worth the drive!

1 comment:

Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RD, LD said...

I generally skip fried chicken...leave it for the omnivours in the crowd!