A Note From Dave

Dear North Market Shopper,

As we look to 2011, I believe that the Market is in the best shape ever.

The growing awareness to support local businesses and local economies coupled with the movement to eat locally puts North Market in the “sweet spot” of emerging trends.

In late 2010, we added two exciting new businesses and as we open 2011 we have two more that are equally great.

North Market Spices and their broad selection of unique spices and spice blends has been an instant hit. With a knowledgeable staff, they are the perfect complement to the terrific selection of fresh ingredients the Market has to offer.

Read the rest of Dave’s note here⇒ 

Fiery Foods Weekend

The North Market has been bringing the heat to dreary Ohio winters for the past seven years with our annual Fiery Foods Festival. Folks just can’t get enough of the fire when it’s February in Central Ohio, so this year we’re hosting a whole Fiery Foods Weekend! Melt away the mid-winter monotony at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend on February 19th and 20th. From special vendors to fiery foods cooking and eating contests, plus kids activities and live music, there’s mild to wild fun to be had at the North Market Fiery Foods Weekend!  

Special fiery foods vendors for the weekend include: Aimee’s Blue Ribbon Spices, Black Swamp Gourmet, CaJohns Flavor & Fire, Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand, Crazy Uncle Jester’s Inferno World, Dragonfire Foods, Happy Trails! Chili Company, Heartbreaking Dawns, Mudflats Brands, Ole Ray’s Sauces, Race City Sauceworks and Urban Chefs. 

For a full schedule of Fiery Foods Weekend activities click here⇒ 

Speaking of Fiery Foods…North Market Vendors Excel at ZestFest!

John Hard (aka, CaJohn of CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire) attended the 7th annual ZestFest* in San Antonio last month and brought home FOURTEEN Golden Chile awards (1st place), as well as eight 2nd place and six 3rd place trophies. Pam’s Market Popcorn also scored a Golden Chile in the Salty Snacks category with her Southwest Shazam Popcorn. Congratulations to John and Pam for their exceptional spicy foods!

For the full list of CaJohn’s winnings click here⇒. And by all means come try the winning products in person during our Fiery Foods Weekend!

North Market open until 7PM on Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14

Here ye, here ye all Valentine’s Day procrastinators! The North Market will be open until 7PM this coming Monday, February 14, which is, of course, Valentine’s Day. You have all day and into the early evening to drop in and pick up flowers, chocolate, wine, a card and/or the makings for your homemade Valentine’s dinner to woo your love. Most, but not all of our merchants will be here, but those you need to fulfill your Valentine’s presents will!

Valentine’s Dinner prepared by Chef Rocco G. Valentino of Pastaria

Impress your loved one with a five-course mealed prepared specially for you by Chef Rocco Valentino to pick up and enjoy in the comfort of your home. If you hide the boxes you can even pretend that you did all of the hard work yourself!

First course: Sauteed Feta Cheese with honey, pine nuts, raisins and basil.

Second course: Lentil and Vegetable Puree with tomato chutney crostini.

Third course: Classic Caesar Salad served in a parmesan basket.

Fourth course: Grilled Asparagus Lasagna with vodka sauce (vegetarian option); Potato-crusted Pacific Cod with champagne vinaigrette and melted leek compote (fish option); Seared Filet of Beer with Valentino sauce, gorgonzola cheese, French fingerling potatoes and spinach souffle (beef option).

Dessert: Creme Puff Couple, one filled with vanilla and one filled with chocolate.

This dinner for two is available for $65 from Pastaria. To include a bottle of wine from The Barrel and Bottle the cost is $85 and includes a choice of either the Piacere Pinot Grigio or a Fattoria Montellori Chianti.

Please place your order by noon on Saturday, February 12 by calling Pastaria at (614) 228-2850. Pick up is available from 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14.

Dear North Market Shoppers,

As we look to 2011, I believe that the Market is in the best shape ever.

The growing awareness to support local businesses and local economies coupled with the movement to eat locally puts North Market in the “sweet spot” of emerging trends.

In late 2010, we added two exciting new businesses and as we open 2011 we have two more that are equally great.

North Market Spices and their broad selection of unique spices and spice blends has been an instant hit. With a knowledgeable staff, they are the perfect complement to the terrific selection of fresh ingredients the Market has to offer.

The Barrel and Bottle provides our shoppers with a wide selection of wine and an ever increasing choice of craft beers. New owners Collin Castore and Jen Burton have delivered a classy shop with an expert point of view on this important Market segment.

This January Clever Crow artisan pizza has opened to rave reviews. From their special cornmeal/sourdough crust to their handmade sausages and cured meats, it’s way more than pizza. Brooke and Gary have taken the craft and elevated it to art. Don’t miss them next time you’re here.

And last, but not least, brezel opens this March with handmade pretzels. New owners Maria Bataglia-Gentile and Brittany Baum have grown slowly, but surely earning a solid following at local markets here in town. Now, they’re making the jump to North Market and our shoppers will be big winners.

These four new businesses are perfect examples of why North Market is recognized as the premier destination for great ingredients, local businesses and artisan purveyors. They add even greater strength to the finest community of food businesses in town.

As the Market continues to evolve, these four new businesses give us reason for even greater celebration. Stop by soon and check us out. We know you’ll be even more impressed.

Sincerely,

Dave Wible
Executive Director

John Hard (aka, CaJohn) attended the 7th annual ZestFest* in San Antonio last month and brought home FOURTEEN Golden Chile awards (1st place), as well as eight 2nd place and six 3rd place trophies. Pam’s Market Popcorn also scored a Golden Chile in the Salty Snacks category with her Southwest Shazam Popcorn. Congratulations to John and Pam for their exceptional spicy foods!

CaJohn’s Fiery Foods Awards:

BBQ Sauce
1st Place-Alcohol Infused-CaJohns Select Grillin’-Spicy Bourbon
1st Place-Chipotle Base-CaJohns Select Grillin’-Smoky Bourbon
1st Place-Smoked-Jolokia BBQ Sauce 10
1st Place-XXX Hot-Jolokia BBQ Sauce 10

Condiment
1st Place-Mustard-Jolokia Mustard 10

Hot sauce
1st Place-Mild-CBC Restaurant Smoke
1st Place-Chipotle-CaJohns Bourbon Barrel Aged Chipotle
1st Place-International-Oaxacan (awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd with CaJohns Sauces)

Salsa
1st Place-Fruit-CaJohns Select Salsa Jalapina
1st Place-Habanero-Holy Jolokia Salsa
1st Place-Hot CaJohns Select Salsa Manganero

Merchandise
1st Place-Apparrel- Holy Jolokia Camp Shirt
1st Place-Specialty-Texas Commemorative (1,2,3here too)

Best New Product Non-Food – CaJohns Ace Camp Shirt

Pam’s Market Popcorn Award

Salty Snacks – Southwest Shazam Popcorn

*ZestFest is hosted by Chile Pepper Magazine. Editor in Chief,  Rick McMillen will be in Columbus to experience the 8th annual Fiery Foods Festival as it expands to an entire weekend of events!