I remember when Market Days at St. John of the Cross meant you were coming home stocked up on normal sized chicken breasts, frozen orange roughy, and boxes of mini bagel bites. Everything came in those flat, narrow cardboard boxes, and it was every stay-at-home mom’s dream: bulk food, fast solutions.
The motto? Fast and flavorless.
As kids, we loved a good Market Day pickup. There was something exciting about it...even if it was all a bit dull.
These days, Market Day looks and feels a lot different. Definitely more vibrant with so many amazing options. We’ve traded cardboard for cute canvas totes and air-conditioned gyms for white pop-up tents. Our local farmers markets and French-style markets have taken a decidedly more European turn, serving up the freshest seasonal produce, hand-cut meats, fresh-caught fish, crusty breads, and farm fresh eggs with the most yellow yolks of all.
Over the years, La Grange and Western Springs have seriously upped their farmers market game.
And if you’re not leaning into this simple pleasure, well... you’re not doing slow right.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m borderline obsessed with a good farmers market.
Every Thursday, I make it a point to visit the La Grange Farmers Market, and I almost always share my haul on social media.
My collapsible wagon - yes, I said wagon—rolls along beside me, stocked with meats, fish, eggs, and whatever the earth is growing that week. I keep it in my car with a big reusable Mariano’s grocery bag, and let me tell you, I pull that thing with pride. It’s functional and fabulous. Honestly, I might be the envy of the entire market.
Because here’s the thing: the market is meant to be savored. Pulling a wagon instead of
schlepping bags enhances the whole experience, and that is the point of this month’s column.
I want to inspire you to approach Market Day the way a European might: as an experience, not an errand.
Talk to the farmer. Ask where the fish was caught or how the eggs are raised. Try something you’ve never cooked before. Better yet, go without a plan.
This is my favorite way to shop, letting inspiration guide the meal. Pick what looks good, smells fresh, feels right. Then head home and, if you need help turning that bundle of asparagus and wedge of cheese into a full meal, hit up ChatGPT. BINGO!
The joy of the farmers market is that it slows you down. It asks you to pause, look someone in the eye, maybe exchange a recipe tip or two. To connect with the people who grow your food, raise your meat, bake your bread.
There’s something full circle about that. Something deeply human.
And in this fast-moving world, that kind of connection might just be the most nourishing thing of all and the perfect opportunity to slow down.
I appreciate your readership.
Michelle
* This article was originally written for and published in Hillgrove Ave Magazine, Issue May 2025.
Share:
Extra Cozies!
Extra Cozies!