Continuing in the 2011 farmer's market tour series, two weeks ago I visited the Market at 15th and High. It is held on OSU campus in front of the Wexner Center, 1871 North High Street, on Thursdays from 3:30 - 6:30. This small market brings fresh produce to Ohio State students and employees, and anyone else who wants to know the hands that feed them. The location is easily accessible by the Olentangy bike trail and COTA bus. Car drivers can pay for parking in the nearby Ohio Union South garage accessible from High Street and College Road.

whole wheat bread at market at 15th and high

blueberries and peaches market 15th and high

Vendors were sparse on the very hot (95 degrees or more) day I visited. Wayward Seed anchors the market with their CSA pickup and offered a few items for sale to the general public. A whole wheat bread baker displayed beautiful loaves and half loaves baked just around the corner in a nearby church. Hirsch Fruit Farm brought peaches and blueberries. Their large stand will fill with apples and other fruits as the season progresses.

My favorite find of the trip was the OSU Metro Farm stand. This farm, run by students, is an experiment in organic and sustainable agriculture. On the mid-July date they had new organic garlic, fresh cut flowers, and onions. Their display was lovely and prices fantastic.

The Market at 15th and High includes a few tables of non-commerce activities too. I enjoyed chatting with a representative from the Wexner Center about their many fascinating upcoming programs. The agriculture specialist from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) staffed a table as well. He shared their well-researched Local Food Assessment and Plan with me.

The Market intends to feature a food cart each week, though the Cheesy Truck could not come because of the heat on the date I attended. Also notably absent were any cheese or meat vendors.

I suspect that the Market at 15th and High is much better attended by sellers and patrons in more hospitable weather, and when OSU is in session. I will return for a visit later in the fall to scope out a harvest market and free admission to the Wexner Center from 4-8 pm Thursdays.

Have you been to the Market at 15th and High this year? What did you think?

2011 Hounds in the Kitchen farmers market reviews:

New Albany Farmers Market

Pearl Alley Market

Easton Farmers Market

It's time for another Friday Five! Here are five handpicked events that are sure to feed your soul in chronological order: 1. Field & Screen at the Wexner Center for the Arts - From February 4 - 24, the Wexner Center is featuring films about food and the environment. On the 24th, they will host a market and CSA preview with Wayward Seed farm and friends. Check the link for showtimes and prices.

2. Pecha Kucha at Columbus Museum of Art - Twenty notable persons will share twenty slides for twenty seconds each at the 16th Columbus Pecha Kucha event on February 10. Beginning at 6 pm with a performance, presentations will start at 6:30. Pattycake Bakery and the Museum's Palete Cafe will have refreshments and drinks available. I'll finally get to attend my first Pecha Kucha!

3. OEFFA Annual Conference Inspiring Farms, Sustaining Communities - On February 19-20, the farmers and home cooks on the front lines of sustainable food growing in Ohio. Workshops, locally sourced food, and keynotes by Joan Dye Gussow and Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens will fill the weekend with inspiration and foodie fellowship. Tickets are nearly sold out so get yours right away. Alex and I are speaking about Home Charcuterie on Sunday morning.

4. Wellness Forum Cooking Class at Hills Market - On Wednesday, February 23rd, Del Sroufe and Wendy Gabriel of Wellness Forum Foods will lead a two hour cooking class featuring three vegetable-based courses at the Hills. A kitchen demonstration will be followed by a three course dinner (with three wines!) in the Hills wine department.

5. First day at Clintonville Farmer's Market!! - In a mere 92 days, on April 30, the summer farmer's markets will open. I can almost feel the warmth of the crowd and taste the fresh bites of spring.