The Boston Public Market is OPEN!

Whenever I visit a new city, one of my favorite things to do is see the local public market. I've always been sad that Boston doesn't have one of its own (unless you count Quincy Market, which I don't), but finally, my dreams have come true!

The Boston Public Market opened to the public yesterday and I was lucky enough to squeeze a visit into my work day! From their website:

"The Boston Public Market is a permanent, year-round, self-sustaining market featuring fresh, locally sourced food brought directly to and from the diverse people that make up Massachusetts and New England. At the Boston Public Market, farmers, fishermen, and food producers from Massachusetts and throughout New England offer the public a year-round source of fresh, local food and an opportunity to taste, buy, and understand what our region has to offer. The market houses over 35 vendors selling locally produced items such as farm-fresh produce, meat and poultry, eggs, milk and cheese, fish and shellfish, bread and baked goods, flowers, and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods."

What I really like about the market is that the folks who run it are making a conscious effort to make it available to people of all backgrounds and income levels. While farm to table food is always on the more expensive side, the delicious and large sandwich I got was just $8.50 -- which from what I remember is about the same price as a Burger King value meal these days. And plus, every part of the sandwich came from local farms, which I'm more than happy to support vs a multi-million dollar fast food corporation. The vendors at the market also accept SNAP/EBT (Boston's version of food stamps) and they are offering free/inexpensive fitness and cooking classes to individuals and families. Furthermore, the market association itself is a nonprofit so they're making a sincere effort to spread the word to ALL types of people and are partnering with a number of other local nonprofits involved in food justice. It could really be something great for the city, and at the very least, I think it's smart that the local government is thinking about new ways to make healthy options available to people who live here while supporting local farms and businesses.

Anyway, let's see some photos!

Amazing free sample!

Beer alley!

Big crowd watching the opening ceremony

Cookbook exchange -- so cool!

Can't wait to try the Noodle Lab

The cutest little eggplants

Amazing sandwich from Wolf Meadow Farm

I can't wait to visit the Market again. It will definitely be my go to every time I'm downtown during lunch!