Welcome to NOSH!
As a Southern transplant to Chicago, there are just some things I admit the Second City does so, so right. Two of those things are summertime and food markets. Once the veil of the winter finally lifts, Chicagoans find any excuse they can to soak up the sun. The lakeshore beaches are always packed, restaurants throw tables and chairs on the sidewalk and just about every neighborhood has a farmer’s market they claim is the “best in the city.”
Enter Chicago’s newest venture in the outdoor food scene. Unlike farmer’s markets that exist in just about every city during the summer months, NOSH is a bit friendlier for those of us who don’t know exactly what to do with that pound of kale we see at farmer’s markets. Both well-established restaurants and food entrepreneurs share space and cook up their most popular items.
“Chicago has a burgeoning food community, but no one was doing anything that brings together established restaurants with people doing new interesting things,” said Alan Kannof, founder of the Market and “chief NOSH-er.”
Patti’s Popcorn offers up flavors you would never dream of, but are so glad she did.
Saturday was the inaugural day for the market, with 17 vendors ranging from “Karl’s Craft Soup” to “Patti’s Popcorn.” Kannof hopes to exceed 30 vendors in the next few months.
“I want this to be a space where people can try out new things, build a fan base, find broader distribution,” Kannof said.
NOSH Market will run every Saturday afternoon from now until the end of October, taking place in the parking lot of A.N. Pritzker School in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood.
Most of the food is locally sourced, according to Kannof. Best part of the market? No admission fee and most food items are under 10 dollars. So if you’re planning a trip to Chicago in the next few months, NOSH is the perfect opportunity to take in some Chicago mainstays all in one spot.
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