After months of gray skies and indoor dining, opening day for the 2014 Pearl Market is upon us. On Tuesday, May 20th, the annual downtown urban market featuring farmers, food trucks, artisans, and artists kicks off on Pearl Street (Alley) between Gay and Broad Streets.
This year, there are no shortages of food vendors of all types. In addition to several peddlars of tomatoes, peppers, peaches, and herbs, among other lush Ohio-grown fruits, vegetables and produce, there will be several opportunities to try some of the state’s best bakers and cooks at work.
Bakeries
Bill’s Bakery – Hailing from Galion, Bill’s Bakery is known especially for their sweet treats. Stop by for Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Cookies, Fruit Pies, Blondies, and Brownies.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds – Not only is Four and Twenty known for cupcakes in flavors that hit close to home, like Fresh Strawberry and Chocolate Peanut Butter, but they sell gourmet breads, like Pistachio and Cinnamon Raisin.
Great Harvest Bakery – Located in Upper Arlington, Great Harvest makes hearty and wholesome breads that satisfy, like their Pumpernickel Rye and Dakota Five-Seed. They also sell cookies and whole grain fruit bars.
Red Line Bakery – They come from Fredericktown to bring sourdough to the masses: 18-hr Sourdough, Pepperoni Sourdough, and Dill Peppercorn Sourdough, among others. They also sell an amazing Parmesan Bagel.
Prepared Lunches
Families Mobile Kitchen – The urban legend comes to the Pearl Market serving Southern-inspired comfort food, like Chicken and Waffles, and a wildly decadent Mac ‘n’ Cheese that’s not to be missed. They also sell Chili Dogs.
Freedom a la Carte – With not only a great message, but amazing food, Freedom a la Carte will be back to feed the crowd with their fresh, no-frills fare. Come to try Risotto Croquettes, Cajun BBQ Shrimp Cakes, and Guava & Cream Cheese Mini Empanadas for a good cause.
Papaya BBQ – Southern BBQ fusion cuisine never tasted so good. Papaya BBQ offers Beef Brisket, Shredded Chicken, Potato Salad, and Corn on the Cob, among other finger-licking dishes.
Red Snapper – Serving some of the most authentic Jamaican food in the city, stop by Red Snapper for Curry Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Tilapia Fish, and, of course, Jerk Chicken. They also sell meat pies and Caribbean sodas.
Tatoheads – The spud kings are back to rock the potato the way it was meant to be. Come to try Bacon Cheese Sweet Potato Fries or Loaded Baked Potato Fries. They also carry a few wraps and sandwiches.
Treat Yourself
Finca Chocolate – It started in Puerto Rico, but has made its way to Columbus, Ohio. Buy Finca Chocolates in a variety of potencies, from 70%-85% raw cacao blends, to chocolate made with goat’s milk. Barley’s Brewing uses Finca Chocolates in several of their brews.
Jose Madrid Salsa – What began in Zanesville decades ago is still delicious today. Jose Madrid Salsas come in mild or hot, and in several flavors, including Original, Roasted Habanero & Pineapple, Cherry Chocolate, and Roasted Garlic & Olive.
J-Pops – The man with the cold treats on a hot day will be back again, selling popsicles in outrageous, grown up flavors, like Hibiscus Lemonade, Cucumber Lime Mint, Peach Green Tea, and Watermelon Blackberry.
Lily’s Mini Delights – Gluten-free never tastes as good as when Lily’s Mini Delights makes it into mini doughnuts. Try them dusted in powdered sugar, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or dipped into chocolate sauce.
Shirley’s Sweet Potato Pies – Pie is good, and Shirley’s Sweet Potato variety, with or without pecans, is excellent. Customers will also be able to buy Cheesecake, NY and Sweet Potato Style, and Lemon Cake, among other sweet treats.
Simply Good Granola – Wellness meets tasty when Teresa Jones brings out her Simply Good Granola, in several varieties geared toward restoring balance, energy, and mental acumen in its users.
The Pearl Market will be held every Tuesday and Friday, 10:30am – 2pm, until Mid-October. For a complete list of vendors, visit www.downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket.
