Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Farmers Market time!

Yes folks, it's that time of year. With a few already going, and most set to start in May and June, suburban farmers markets are springing up all over.

For a complete list, visit The Sun-Times website. But here are a few highlights (thanks to the Sun-Times for info):

Barrington Farmers Market
South Cook Street and Lake Cook Road
Barrington, IL
(847) 382-3829
http://www.barringtonfarmersmarket.org
Hours: 2-7 p.m. Thursday

Now in its seventh season and running June 19-Oct. 13, The Barrington Farmers Market will offer fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, honey, breads, dog treats and pasta.


Deerfield Farmers Market
Deerfield Road & Robert York Avenue
Deerfield, IL
(847) 945-5000
http://www.deerfield-il.org
Hours: 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday

It's a cinch to get to this market, conveniently located in the Metra train parking lot. Running June 14-Oct. 11, you'll be able to purchase seasonal vegetables and fruit locally grown by farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin; fresh-cut flowers, potted flowering plants, annuals and perennials; freshly baked breads, muffins and cookies; hand-crafted Wisconsin cheese, maple syrup and honey, and other specialty products.


Elk Grove Village Farmers Market
1000 Wellington Ave.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 228-3511

Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesdays

Of course there's fresh produce, but you'll also score homemade items such as salsas, jewelry, flowers, and dog treats. The market runs June 4 to Sept. 24.


Mount Prospect Farmers Market
Corner of Northwest Hwy & Rte. 83
Mount Prospect, IL
http://www.mountprospect.org
Hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday

The Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market runs June 8-Oct. 26 at the Mount Prospect Train Depot West Commuter Parking Lot, where it offers a bounty of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other goodies.


Naperville Farmers Market
N. Loomis St. & E. 5th Ave.
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 369-5638
http://www.visitnaperville.com
Hours: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday

Held every Saturday morning from the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in October in the parking lot of the 5th Avenue Station Shops, you'll find locally-grown produce, cut flowers, potted plants, crafts and gourmet foods. Leave Fido at home; this is a pet-free market.



Oak Park Farmers Market
460 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL
(708) 358-5780
http://www.oak-park.us
Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

The Saturday market, which runs June 7-October 27 at Pilgrim Church, is an Oak Park tradition that has been selling the good stuff since 1974. Described as a "gastronomic event," you'll find the air full of bluegrass tunes and the scent of freshly made old fashioned cake donuts, whose wafts of doughy goodness have proven potent enough to rouse even the most determined sleeper. You'll also find a wide variety of just-plucked-from-the-tree produce, flowers and plants, artisanal cheeses, honey, vinegars, herbs and more.


Wheaton French Market
200 S. Main St.
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 260-2000
http://www.ewheaton.com
Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Running Saturdays through October, you'll find fresh produce, flowers, plants, cut flowers, local crafts, cheese, meat and more at this French Market.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Rolling in the fun--Pinstripes, Northbrook

I recently attended a Yelp event at the fabulous Pinstripes, at their Northbrook location (1150 Willow Road, Northbrook; a second location is at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington).

Pinstripes is a unique destination, as far as I know--there are plenty of bowling alleys around, even fancy ones, but I've never seen an indoor bocce court before!

This place is big. About 50,000 square feet with 18 bowling lanes, a bar, restaurant seating, and 10 indoor and outdoor bocce courts (plus a big patio). It's also very pretty, with a rustic Italian feel to it.

While there, we sampled the menu's extensive list of pizzas and flatbreads. All were delicious, with toppings ranging from fig and prosciutto to truffled cheese to pepperoni. Staff and bartenders were very attentive and friendly.

And we had a lot of fun playing bocce and bowling. I'd never played "real" bocce before, and the staff patiently explained it to us.

This seems like an excellent place for an event, or just a night out with friends. There's plenty to do, great food and a lovely atmosphere.