Farmers Markets/French Markets

Throughout Europe these are very common. Thankfully, they are becoming more common here as well. So many neighborhoods have them one of my favorites is the Andersonville one.

I love being able to buy local(ish) and know where my food comes from. Cooking and creating food is multi-sensory experience- quite often I'll go and see peaches or some other in season piece of produce and be inspired by it in a way that just does not happen at the grocery store.

French Markets not only sell produce, bread, meat, and cheeses, but they often times have hand crafted items. I have purchased some of my favorite jewelry from artisans at French Markets as well an purchases some fantastic handmade soaps. You never know what you'll find when you wander through the area markets.

here are a few sites to get started finding a market near you:
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_farmers_market.html
http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/hours/