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Adios, Market Picasso: One More Spin at Chicago's Daley Plaza

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

After Next Week, This Pillar of Local Farmers Market Community Calls It a Season


Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson

Open since 1978, the city-run Daley Plaza Farmers Market in Chicago's Loop is a pillar of the local food community. At ground level, its tents and food-laden tables resemble most other farmers markets. What set it apart is that those stands surround a world-famous work of art: the towering, nameless, mysterious steel sculpture by Pablo Picasso, which was unveiled in 1967.

I've been visiting this market since shortly after our arrival in Chicago and I've become quite fond of the Picasso. So with the Daley Plaza market getting ready for its 2025 season finale next Thursday (October 23), I made a point of swinging by today to say adios to all that.


Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson

My friends from Nichols Farm and Orchard (Marengo, Illinois) already are in the Halloween spirit, spelling out "Boo!" with pumpkins.


Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson

Their tables also have a solid mid-October look to them.


Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson

This was a bit of a lucky find. Over the past week or so, it looked like the region's blueberry season had fully kicked. But not for D&S Farms in Berrien Springs, Michigan.


Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson

My nice little haul: those blueberries, plums and sweet cider from D&S Farms; an apple cider doughnut from Daly's Donuts (Chicago); Wisconsin baby swiss cheese from Stamper Cheese (Chicago); and from Nichols, Empire apples, green beans, onions, winter squash and zucchini.


There still are a lot of area farmers markets open, but most will be shutting down over the next couple of weeks. This local food is amazing and virtuous... don't miss out.


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