It's Business Time

Last week's Market was a slam-dunk - the weather was wonderful, everyone was out and about, and the food was plentiful (especially asparagus). Thanks, to everyone for coming out!

This week's Market is looking much the same, with the forecast calling for partly cloudy skies and highs in the high 60s, and loads of fresh produce in every aisle. Here's the list:

• salad mix and lettuces
• asparagus
• radishes
• chard
• kale
• rhubarb
• fresh herbs
• bok choi
• strawberries (arrive very early)
• certified organic vegetable starts

There'll also be goat cheese, lots of meat and eggs, plenty of baked goods (including Stewart Pequignot, whose bagels, breads, and granola bars were often asked-about last week), flowers, plants, art and crafts (local batik artist Jill Miller will be putting in an appearance this week, among others), prepared foods, coffee, etc.

My favorite part of the Market day this year will be - well, all of them, but especially breakfast. Why? Because The Great Impasta comes to the Market while you're still sleeping, shops for the morning's breakfast ingredients, and will have omelets and who knows what else available over at the restaurant (in Lincoln Square, in the previous Milo's location) starting at 8 AM. Last week I had a 100% local omelet breakfast that included eggs from Country Cottage Farm, Chard from Blue Moon Farm, asparagus from... someone, and goat cheese from Prairie Fruits Farm. The sausage? From Triple S. YUM. Impasta's outdoor seating will be in full effect, too.

Two other things - Common Ground Food Co-op, located just to the northwest of the Market, will be having its annual plant sale on their patio during the Market. Several plant sales are happening within Lincoln Square Village, too - shopping the plant sales is a great Mothers' Day tradition, so get on over there. ALSO - the Urbana Business Association is launching Second Saturday - a new event held in Lincoln Square and Downtown on the, well, second Saturday of each month. Look for antiques and other items for sale in these locations - you can call Susan at 344-3872 for more information.

NEXT WEEK: book signing with Joe McFarland, author of Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois & Surrounding States

TWO WEEKS: Sprouts at the Market

See you out there!