One of my favorite lunch spots - El Arepazo, right at the Gay St. Entrance of the market. They are so busy they expanded their outdoor seating for the summertime.
The Pearl Alley Market began last Tuesday with a visit from the Mayor. The market, which is located downtown Columbus on Pearl Alley between Gay & Broad streets, was taken over by a new group this year. So far, it seems to be an improvement. The Downtown Columbus website does not yet have a full listing on their site, but they informed me they will be adding a searchable list in the next few weeks.
Although it was threatening rain, I was so busy last week that I couldn't make it over, so today I decided to stop in and see how things were going. I went right at the opening of the market, found parking to be a breeze (except that it takes like 6 quarters for 40 minutes. Okay, 4 quarters, but still), and got out the camera. (A side note on parking - I can almost always find meters on Long St, if you don't mind walking a block and a half.)
There were a few farmers - please keep in mind we are still early in the growing season - to be found this week were still some asparagus, lots and lots of strawberries, broccoli, kohlrabi (yay!) and lots of tomato plants and cut flowers:
A few new vendors this year, and a few changes. First of all, there are now vendors on Broad Street, which is pretty cool. As you enter the market, there is a sign which tells you what sort of produce you might find today:
There was an Italian ice spot, which will be really nice on hot days:
The kettle corn people were also there (I love that stuff). I missed seeing My Mama's Sweet potato pie; hopefully they were just scared off by the rain. Also, my friend works for Snowville Creamery and she told me they were doing the market this year, so keep an eye out for them. It would be really nice of you to buy some of their yummy 1/2 and 1/2 for coffee station in your office!
This year, there was also a meat purveyor, Mohr Animal Acres. They had the basics (chicken, beef & pork) as well as lamb and goat! Yes, I said goat! I know there are a few of you out there looking for goat sources. They were also selling goat's milk cheeses and lots of goat's milk beauty products, including unscented products (I have sensitive skin, so I am always on the lookout for unscented products).
Other standouts were the delicious samosas (above) and iced chai from Nellie's Samosas (seriously, I raced home to write about them for any downtown workers on Columbus Underground, would could make it there by the end of the market; you can read the full thing there). There were also some super cute handbags (CW Bags; alas, no website, but I do have an email address which I'll email if you'd like). I'm a little light on funds at the moment, but maybe when I get my stimulus check, I'll be buying one.
I look forward to making the Pearl Alley a weekly (at least) venture, and I encourage others to do the same. The more support the vendors receive, the more beneficial it will be for them to come out. The more vendors come, the more money they make, and the more other vendors will want to come. It's a win-win situation for everyone. Having a great downtown resource like this is just another thing which will make Columbus attractive to visitors, conventions, smart young people, etc. etc. Support it!
