With a new lease on life (contract pending), I've started revisiting the places I've missed over the past few years, trying my best to remember the pieces of my life that had been taken away bit by bit or, worse, completely erased. Trauma!
It’s been a long road to regaining this broader civility, but another block was reclaimed last Saturday when my girlfriend, my canine companion Sean, and I went to the OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave.
The facility, built in the 1920s when it was a real farmers market, didn't take long to conjure old memories, as the rustic sights and aromatic smells brought everything rushing back.
With the sweet scent of low-level capitalism drawing me in and cashing me out, I was immediately greeted by chemical-free produce, exotic cheese samples, and all the bread and bread-products I could shovel into my mouth. Even better, it was all stuff I actually wanted to shovel into my body.
From ramshackle stands like the mushroom-friendly Fungus Family Farms to the sweet-heat of CiCi’s Heart Hearth Cookies, and with their award-winning goat chili—Louis Fowler recommended—Snibbles, it was so good to see all these friendly faces, all hunting for a good deal on the freshest items in town.
Across the alley, we ventured to our next shopping adventure—the unexplored (by me, at least) Antique Mall.
Anytime a junk shop collector’s market appears unexpectedly, you’re bound to find your next obsession. While most of the expected trinkets were placed up front, the real treasures were in the back.
Navigating the narrow passageways, I encountered things like ceramic Mexican skulls, vintage Buffy Sainte-Marie 8-tracks, rare Vienna Beef ads, and all the petroleum, gasoline, and oil signage you could ask for...
Across from Powerhouse, the low-down bar spot I reviewed many years ago, was Delmar Gardens – a dormant food truck park that serves as an extension of the market.
Standing in the sprinkling rain, we found bountiful offerings under the tents, like fresh, aromatic coffee beans, semi-luxurious smelling soaps, and, for Sean, dog treats fresh from the oven to his muzzle. Surprisingly, they were really good.
At least that's what he told me. I’ve already placed an order for more.
Finally, I stopped by Urban Agrarian, which had been recommended to me. I’d heard they serve fresh beef and bean burritos behind a glass case. In addition, they had fresh tortilla chips, refrigerated soups, and, for my girlfriend, some andouille sausage that I’m sure will give Louisiana a run for its money.
Overall, my trip back to the Farmers Market was a great experience to re-experience.
As someone who usually gets his groceries from Walmart down the street, maybe I can break the corporate chain and, you know, purchase some sundries once a month and feel good about it, right?
So, if you’re in the market for some totally fresh, wholly organic, virtually non-GMO, mostly pesticide-free, mutually artisan, overpriced groceries, well, follow me.
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
