I have called out for greater access to fresh local food. We have food deserts, where regular grocery stores go missing. But we also need more opportunities to get fresh, local food as well.
The ideal for me has been St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. But we have what might be the closest Chicago can come to that in the brand new Chicago French Market.
Pluses
Location — not so much for people within the city, but excellent for Chicagoland. Located in a West Loop train station, those riding the suburban trains to city and suburban stops can get naturally grown, fresh local food with convenience and ease. Thought it's a bit awkward for some Chicago residents, there is very close access to the Green Line.
Variety — Vegetarians, carnivores, chocolatiers can all be satisfied. Bread, cheese, baked goods, meat, fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables, even soap and crafts. And fresh fruit and vegetables in December in Chicago.
Convenience — Not open on Sundays, but extensive Monday-Saturday hours. Not just limited to rush hours for trains.
Cons
Size — Chicago could support a facility 3 or 4 times as large. The aisles aren't terribly wide. If the market isn't crowded, the scene isn't so bad. But when crowded, moving around might be more difficult.
Seating — There is a seating area with the walls painted to look like you are beneath the Eiffel Tower. But there isn't a whole lot of space involved. I heard anecdotally that there is wi-fi, but there were no signs to mark this. If so, that will help. Most of the food isn't set up for eating there, but there are enough booths that sell ready-to-eat dishes. So if people start using the space, there won't be enough chairs. If they don't, the space won't look like it's being used well.
Promotion — If you are headed to the train station, the market is ready-made and convenient. If not, you would little knowledge to know the market is there. Street access is available, but the market isn't on a very common street in the downtown area.
Overall, the market is a great boon to a city starving for this kind of setup. While there are criticisms, the focus is more that we could use a secondary location perhaps twice as big either on the east side of downtown or near North Side or near South Side access.
The food is the show and worth the trip. The best hope is that the market is such a success that others will come along. But the folks in Toronto can vouch for a central location large enough to fill multiple needs.
More photos from the new market: All photos taken by me.
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