Heading out to the downtown Portland Farmer's Market this past Saturday was like one big, collective sigh – it seemed everyone knew to get in one great visit before the winter sets in and produce gets scarce. The leaves fell softly to the ground and I took in the scene. I am so thankful to partake in one of the best farmer's markets in the world! Find out about what makes this spot so unbelievable, after the jump.
While shopping for a new city to move to post-college, Portland, OR was high on my list. We hiked in the forest, drank strong coffees and hung out in a fantastic book store, but it was a morning of browsing, sampling and eating at the Portland PSU Farmer's Market that made me swoon. I declared, "This is it!" About five years later, I am still captivated by the bountiful organic produce, diversity of prepared foods, tender baked goods and general happiness that seems to envelop everyone who steps foot on the grounds. It's an incredible feast for all the senses, one that after making my way through many markets throughout the world, I still feel is the most spectacular.
The Portland Farmer's Market is home to more than 250 vendors, chef demonstrations, kids classes, and musical entertainment. It is held every Saturday from March through December. It's a weekly event that truly nourishes the community, in the tummy and soul. As a weekly shopper, I've grown to know several of the vendors and now count them as friends, it's that type of atmosphere.
My shopping list includes a seasonal rotation of produce, as well as a few food items I cannot live without.
Shopping List of Market specialties:
• Pearl Bakery's chocolate panini– it's a roll, mixed with bittersweet cocoa powder and chocolate chips, and it is as amazing as it sounds.
• Freddy Guys' roasted hazelnuts– recently featured in Martha Stewart with good reason, these crisp hazelnuts are the most flavorful I've ever had
• Zuppa Soups' South Indian dhal– Simon, the owner, makes this simple, nourishing soup (perfect on a gray day) and loads it up with mango chutney, cilantro and a little plain yogurt
• LoveJoy Foods' Caprese sandwich– Jo, the chef and owner, makes this amazing sandwich on salted Foccacia bread and covers the tomatoes in a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil
• Monteillet Fromagerie's Provencal goat cheese– this French and American artisan cheese-making couple have created rich and tangy goat cheese that elevates a meal from the ordinary to the sublime. I always buy it for special family dinners. Joan and Pierre Louis sip red wine and laugh whole-heartedly while doling out delicious samples.
I carve out a special spot in my weekly budget for one or two of these other-worldly treats. This purposeful purchase or two brings me great joy. I always leave this place feeling relaxed and renewed, with a sense that the farmers, chefs and artisans of Portland are among the best in the world. I'm such a lucky lady!
• Visit the Market: Portland Farmer's Market
Related: A Food-Lover's Guide to Portland, Oregon
(Images: Leela Cyd Ross)
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Monterey Pitcher fr...
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
I love this farmer's market, although I think overall its a bit pricey (compared with other Portland Farmer's markets - though most of the others are done for the season by now). It really was particularly fantastic with lovely weather this past weekend, wasn't it? I always leave there feeling so inspired to cook delicious fall food this time of year!
Oh my god these pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for providing some much-needed farmer's market porn for us East-Coasters whose markets are all but barren in the winter months.
Goodtothinkandeat.blogspot.com
I just moved to Portland, Oregon about three months ago and can attest to the wonder of the PSU Farmers market...you need to go with time to spare and on an empty stomach! It's wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
www.eatthecaketoo.com
This is my "home market", every Saturday! I love the people here and always look forward to the bounty on display
www.thefoodsoulmates.com
I moved from Portland 3 years ago. I was a frequent customer of the PSU Farmers market. These pictures make my heart ache....
Bravo, th pictures are so gorgeous! What a beautiful montage that so perfectly captures the markets' spirit!
And don't forget the suburban farmers markets, Hillsboro (includes crafts), Milwaukie, Hillsdale, Sellwood. Hillsboro is my fave -- they don't have as much upscale stuff but you can buy a week's worth of veggies for a fraction of the price of the Portland's market.
what a beautiful slideshow!! such glorious pictures of people doing what we do best, growing, cultivating, creating, and enjoying the bounty of planet earth. and in oregon, the ground is fertile and the people know how to make quality foods. lovely post.
This is my second favorite place in Portland. Great pictures. My mouth is watering.
I live in Portland, OR and have been hunting for pink pearl apples for ages! Is that what I see in your second picture? Do you know which seller you got them from?
I visited this market in October and was totally blown away, which is sayin alot for this market obsessed traveller. On the same trip we'd been in San Fran beforehand and visited the famed Ferry Building market and were totally underwhelmed. When I came home to tell my friends, I proclaimed "now Portland, THAT's a farmers market!" This is truly one of the best!