Indoor farmer's market attracting good food, fashion

April 14, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Modeled after the popular Brooklyn Flea Market in New York, Chicago's dose market - housed in the sprawling River East Arts Center - has become a monthly get-together for the city's cutting-edge food mavens and fashionistas.

"And the idea is you come here one Sunday per month, and you can experience and see and taste and interact with some of the city's most exciting, ambitious, creative people," said Heather Sperling, one of the co-founders of the Market.

They charge ten bucks to get in, which only includes the samples. But when you see how many purveyors, food artisans and chefs are here, you're probably going to end up spending more.

"So that includes some food you can eat on-site, some pantry items, drinks, coffee, tea - so we always have a local coffee roaster, a great local tea purveyor - we try to get chefs from restaurants around the city to do fun, creative side projects, and make things you wouldn't normally get at their restaurant," said Sperling.

There is plenty of fashion here too.. designers with their latest styles and small, independents with one-of-a-kind jewelry. The same applies to the food vendors who don't have stores, like Spencer's Jolly Posh British and Irish foods - they're cooking up sandwiches made with bangers and rashers - or Karl's Craft Soups, an Oak Park-based soup company just trying to get their product in front of consumers.

"This is a great venue for someone who has a mail-order service or is only online and doesn't have a storefront. So they can set up shop here, and it's sort of a brick-and-mortar for the day where they can interact with customers," Sperling said.

Dose Market happens once a month - on a Sunday - but those dates vary, so you gotta check their website: dosemarket.com for specific details; whether you come for fashion or for food, I guarantee you won't leave hungry.

The next market is slated for tomorrow and discounted parking is available across the street for six bucks.

Dose Market
At River East Arts Center
One Sunday per month, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
435 E. Illinois St.
http://dosemarket.com/

Check their website for which Sunday it will be
Next four markets are:
April 15, May 13, June 24, July 15

Get more Restaurants »

restaurants, steve dolinsky

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•