Chicago - July 14, 2004

Twilight Zone

West Loop Evening Farmers Market

The early bird catches more than the worm: He gets all the best farmer’s market produce.

The rest of us? We do our best to squeeze in the USDA-recommended five-to-seven servings. (And just to review: Ketchup is not a vegetable.)

The new West Loop Farmers Market features all the health benefits of an a.m. market — with a special after-hours guest: the sunset. Every Thursday evening (through October) the hidden cobblestone courtyard off Randolph Street brims with organic produce, flowers, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and gourmet snacks, all in a quaint open-air setting. Keep an eye out for demos, tastings, live music, and prepared meals to go from neighborhood chefs. It’s a foodie extravaganza — at a very civilized hour. So you’ll finally be as well-nourished as your early-rising friends.

Minus the worm, of course.

West Loop Farmers Market, Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. through October 28, Randolph Street Courtyard, 843 West Randolph Street, behind Marché; entrances also at Peoria and Green Streets (312-666-1991).