First, grab your shopping bag and a cup of coffee; then, step into the sun
at the farmer’s market.  Try both locations: LaGrange and LaGrange Park. The La Grange market is a full sensory tradition. La Grange Park is welcoming new vendors; a west suburban oasis in-the- making.

Now, inhale the spring air and observe the array of nature’s colors and smells that have sprouted here in your neighborhood parking lot. You’re a west-suburban Dorothy. You’ve stepped from your house -- having crashed out of a grey Chicago winter sky -- right into a Technicolor spring.

Don’t hurry. I know you’re busy, but here at the farmer’s market, (with that wicked witch of winter crushed beneath your house) you can relax and smell the flowers. Inhale a vision of freesias, lilies and eucalyptus at the North Wichert Gardens stand. No pressure of fluorescent lighting or rows of packaged goods here. This will be productive, but it will be fun, too.

Help yourself to a sprig of thyme and a bundle of sage from the Skibbe
farmstand. Try them crisped and sprinkled over mashed sweet potatoes from Tidey Farms. This is a sweet-salty flavor frenzy when paired with delicious smoked pork chops from Jake’s Country Meats. Only 5 minutes on the grill! No kidding. Put a loaf of fresh, From Scratch bread into your bag. When it’s time for dinner, serve it warm with a dollop of pesto by Presto Pesto, and a sprinkling of
parmesan melted on top.

Don’t forget your veggies. The perfect chloro-phylled accessory is available for this famer’s market feast: green beans, spring lettuces, artichoke hearts and spring peas. Heck, try some of everything! It’s good for you.

Finally it’s dessert time! Proceed to J.W. Morlock & Girls. When I think
Morlock, visions of Michigan peaches dance in my head. Sure, their berries do
the polka as well, so throw them in with the peaches. Add these sweeties to a stack of Lil’ Mad Café lemon crème shortbread. (A little ice cream won’t hurt you.) If all of this deliciousness is making your tummy rumble, just pick up a munchie
at Rebecca’s Handmade Toffee for a treat that requires no muss, no fuss: all
crunchy, homemade goodness.

I think that just about does it. The bag is getting heavy and it’s time
for work. You can click your ruby red slippers now, knowing that your
fresh-picked dinner is just one work-day away. Come back next week to enjoy it
all over again: a seasonal party for the senses that will keep you smiling and
sated all summer!

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes vendors and
the public to the La Grange Market at the Village Hall Parking Lot (53 S. La
Grange Road) on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Newly situated at Mattone’s
Restaurant (corner of  31^st Street and La Grange Road), the LaGrange Park market will offer seasonal delights from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday. Both Markets promise a generous array of natural community fun.

Contact Information

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry –   Steve Erickson, Executive Director – 708-387-7550 or steve@wscci.org