The Boston Public Market Has Arrived

The eagerly anticipated opening of The Boston Public Market is here, and we couldn’t be more excited about the event. You might think, What’s the big deal? There are plenty of farmer’s markets around New England.  Well dear readers, this is the first, year round, indoor market in the country that will house only local vendors. The bounty of 35 businesses representing farms, makers and food producers will offer a cross section of all things local to eat from around Boston. Farm fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy and flowers along with an assortment of speciality and prepared foods. There are even a few beautiful craft artisans in the mix. The Market will surely become a must visit destination for foodie travelers to our city and offers a unique selection of all that is great about New England eating.

What’s even more remarkable is the fact that the 28,000 feet of space making up the market are housed in a building constructed to disguise an unsightly vent shaft from Boston’s notorious Big Dig. The ground floor of the primo location has been empty for over 10 years and now ironically has been turned into what will quickly become a sustainable destination in the city.  The address at 100 Hanover Street is adjacent to the Rose Kennedy Greenway and sits close to the Freedom Trail. Haymarket open air market is close by. In all, over 200 local businesses are represented and will serve residents, students and tourists.

History of Boston’s Markets

Boston has had a long history with the pushcart vendor. Over 300 years ago the first markets were established at Dock Square, North Square and South Market on Boylston Street. Faneuil Hall followed in 1742 and Quincy Market came 80 years later. When the Mill Creek was filled in to create more land, Haymarket Square became the area’s open air retail market just before 1840. The pushcart vendors of Haymarket have weathered many storms, including The Central Artery and Boston’s Big Dig. They remain today and will continue to operate next door to the Public Market.

Make sure not to miss my Top 10 Favorites at the Public Market:

• Red Apple Farm-4 generations of farmers bringing crisp delights to the market. While the apples are wonderful, I’m talking about the fresh cinnamon apple cider doughnuts taking me back to my Jersey days.
• George Howell Coffee-I’m showing my age, but George was one of the originals in the coffee movement. Anyone remember the Coffee Connection? I’m so glad he has returned to the biz. You can bet any of the coffee beans from this company are sustainably sourced and the highest quality.
• Boston Smoked Fish-Smoked Salmon Bacon-I first had this delectable treat in British Columbia. You can thank me later.
• Boston Honey Company-their space glows with amber goodness.Using safe, sustainable beekeeping practices, their operation is in Eastern Massachusetts.
• Q’s Nuts-20 recipes of savory and spicy crunch equal the best nuts around.
• Taza Chocolate-Stone ground chocolate unlike any you have ever tasted. I love the flavors with spice and almonds added.
• Cellars at Jasper Hill-Northeast Vermont’s best regional, artisan cheese. Homemade mac n’cheese never tasted so good.
• Inna’s Kitchen-Traditional recipes tell a story of cultural heritage and global flavors. This mother and son team turns out comfort food with a capital C.
• Mangé-their beautiful fruit vinegars add zip to any cocktail or dressing.
• Hopster’s Alley-A store dedicated to offering a curated collection of craft beers and liquor and cider from New England. Your bar cart will never be the same.
• Bonus**The Cookbook Exchange-What a genius idea right. No money involved! We all buy cookbooks that we either tire of or are not quite right (my Chicken 100 Ways doesn’t get a lot of use these days). Bring a cookbook with you and exchange it for one of the many great titles they have on the racks.

Heck, everyone there is really a shining example of New England goodness-you can’t go wrong.

The Market is creating a community resource, educating the public about food sources, nutrition, and preparation. In addition to more than 35 vendor stalls, there is a 3,200 square foot demonstration kitchen which will offer opportunities such as hands-on cooking demos, lectures, family activities, exercise classes, training and community events within the Boston Public Market. I can’t wait to take a class and learn about the process of preserving with Boston Ferments.

One of the basic tenants of Green With Renvy is to ” know your food”. This is a great chance for the residents of Boston to make the connection between food and farm, food and maker. America’s first truly Local Year-Round Market is a step towards sustainability Boston can really be proud of.

The 411 on The Boston Public Market

The Boston Public Market, located at 100 Hanover Street above the Haymarket MBTA station, is open Wednesday — Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.  A list of vendors can be found at their website.

The easiest way to get there is via the T to the Haymarket station. There is a parking garage for cars and on site bicycle parking is available.

There is a play area for kids and a small seating area for eating. A 3200 square ft. public kitchen will hold cooking demonstrations, lectures and family activities.