Marketable market ideas

I visited the firehouse farmers market in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, PA. this past Saturday. While I was there, I interacted with most of the vendors and some of the patrons. Below are some ideas inspired by the market in Pittsburgh.

Food sampling:

Slow Food sponsored food sampling

Prepare recipes on small butane burners for market patrons. See Example.

Request donations. Otherwise, the food is purchased with the SF chattanooga chapter's budget.

Local chefs will cook the samples voluntarily (provided ingredients by SF), with the hope of lots of free advertising.

Shop with a chef:

When a chef, or famous foodie is purchasing food, a volunteer will follow with a chef's hat attached to a long stick.

Patrons follow and glean from the chef's expertise.

Market Ambassadors:

Collect a contingent of supports to walk to the market each week.

Their sole role is to make people feel comfortable.

They can connect with food, recipes, farmers, friends.

Market Manager:

Connect local food support and create an ambassador network.

Connect with the slow food chapter.

Collect payments from farmers.

Keep everyone on the same page.

Event planning.

Connect with local churches, to encourage "local" potlucks. At least one ingredient from the market.

Win dinner for two:

Have an auction or raffle for dinner for two.

The winner walks with chef or farmer to pick meal.

Cooked and served for two, at farm or restaurant.

Recipe Book/Club:

Beyond that, have each farmer show one recipe a week with their food.

It's simple, Start Eating.

All the farmers want is for you to enjoy their food. 

The farmers don't have to do anything. 

It's up to us and all we have to do is eat. 

Go to the atm. 

Find change in your car. 

Buy eggs for breakfast. 

Buy ingredients to make tacos for dinner. 

Start eating today.  

4:00 - 6:00 pm 

Main Street Market 

between Broad and Market

I'll be in Pittsburgh this week. 

Next week, I'll meet anyone who's interested in the market at the market. 

I'll give you a tour and introduce you to the farmers that I know. 

Go make a taco!

Are you not sure what to do with all the "stuff" you'll find at a Farmers Market? Today, go buy a bunch of vegetables and make tacos. Sure, you'll have to supplement your recipe with grocery store products, like tortilla, rice, and beans. However, you'll find the market can supply you with most of the goodies you need.

Eggs from River Ridge Farm or SCF.
Meat from RR or SCF.
Veggies from all of the farms.

I'm making tacos tonight. Are you up for the challenge?

On another note, I missed last week. That does not mean I was not at the market or cooking. Last week I bought a chuck roast and cooked my first roast ever. It tasted amazing! I used a recipe suggested by my boss, Paul. Cooked it the night before, with salt, pepper, tomatoes, herbs de provance, and made a roasted tomato sauce to complement it. Before it was enjoyed, I put it back in the oven for another hour. If I can do it, you certainly can!

I hope that You, Me and Everyone In Between enjoys good food this week!