If you’ve read our recent Quick bites feature you’ll know that it’s almost time for the annual North Market apron gala. And, if you know much about the many North Market events that occur throughout the year, you’ll know that this is a big one. So, with that said, we’re excited to announce that we have two tickets to give away for this fabulous event.
The fifteenth North Market gala will be held on Saturday May 21st at 7pm. It’s an after hours party where you can eat your way around the market sampling appetizers, main tastes and desserts prepared by all of the North Market merchants. Special culinary awards are awarded to merchants for their gastronomic entries and they are highly contested. You can also enjoy assorted wines, Columbus Brewing Company micro-brews as well as live music, a silent auction and other entertaining surprises. Tricia Wheeler, Chef and Editor of Edible Columbus will be creating canapés in the Dispatch Kitchen throughout the evening and you can pick up a copy of the latest Edible.
Why is is called the apron gala? Because everyone who attends is encouraged to wear their favorite apron or create one in honor of the gala. Aprons can be fun, funny or fancy and prizes are awarded for the night’s best aprons. If you don’t want to make your own apron you can buy a North Market commemorative apron at the event.
The historic North Market is a run by a non-profit organization (the North Market Development Authority) and the apron gala is an important fundraising event for the market, helping to maintain a strong and vibrant public market in our community. Tickets are $75 and are available online or at the North Market.
To enter our giveaway for two tickets please leave a comment below mentioning a favorite North Market memory or event. We’ll close commenting and pick a winner (using a random number generator), at noon on Monday, May 16th.
May 11, 2011
A favorite North Market memory: Going to the North Market for the SOLE purpose of buying soft shell crab for dinner & leaving with not only the soft shell crab but Jeni’s ice cream, a super hot salsa that I sampled & loved AND popcorn. My husband stayed in the car while I ran in to purchase the soft shell crab and when I got back in the car he asked me if I had to catch the crab myself because of how long I was inside. 😉
A favorite North Market event: One year we attended the Wine Festival and had a great time mingling with friends, old and new.
May 11, 2011
Last summer, I went to the North Market with a plan to pick up a pork shoulder to smoke for a cookout on a Saturday morning, and found a stall at the farmer’s market loaded down with fresh sweet corn. I picked through the ears to find a dozen or so, took them home, and smoked them alongside of the pork. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire summer.
May 11, 2011
My favorite memories of the market are all the hours of volunteer work I’ve put in at the Greener Grocer on behalf of Local Matters. Everyone who works there is awesome! I’ve met some great people and look forward to future opportunities to help out.
May 11, 2011
My first memory of North Market was when my husband and I were in Columbus scouting out places to live. We were planning on moving from Chicago. Since then, we have taken each one of our out of town guests there to eat or shop.
May 11, 2011
My fondest memory of The North Market is the first time my father took my there. I remember thinking it was the coolest “grocery store” I’d ever been to! We sat upstairs eating a sandwhich and watched the people below. Now that I’m a downtown resident, I get to do quite a bit of my shopping there. Cheers!
May 11, 2011
My favorite memory, there are so many that I can’t pick just one. I remember driving up from Lancaster with my Mom to the original North Market and eating my way through all of the amazing kiosks. Being introduced to so many new cheeses by Annemarie and then being so happy when she opened North Market Poultry and Game. Walking through with my boyfriend who is now my husband and eating ice-cream made by Jeni before she left town and then getting to introduce all of my friends to Jeni’s everyday now that she is a national star. Finally introducing my daughter who is now 8 to the wonders of the market.
May 11, 2011
I love the various festivals at the North Market. The garlic festival is when I go the opportunity to try garlic ice cream from Jeni’s which was a surreal experience. I would love to win tickets to the gala. My husband and I are vegetarians, and he doesn’t eat cheese, so shelling out money for these foodie events always seems like a terrible deal (even if it is for charity) when we never have any idea how much we’d even be able to sample.
May 11, 2011
After a period of months of turmoil and separation, my boyfriend and I fell back in love over a pizza from Serafino’s, eaten straight from the box in a sunny upstairs corner on a quiet summer afternoon. Columbus was halfway between our homes; we’ve both since relocates to Columbus and shop regularly at the market!
May 11, 2011
I love the N Mkt! For a favorite event, how about today when, in honor of my birthday, I polished off 2 pieces of Clever Crow, a Brezel twist, and a cookie from Expresso? Birthday feast 🙂
May 11, 2011
Along with two friends, I attended a cooking class/demonstration by Latitude 41 chef, Dave Mcclennan. He prepared “turchucken” with a foie gras dressing inside that just blew me out of the water. And then he made me love brussel sprouts! Who knew? Anyway, it was a great evening with great friends and a memory I will always cherish 🙂
May 11, 2011
my favorite north market event is the fiery foods festival, which also involves my favorite north market memory, of my boyfriend running down to touch of earth and begging for a cup of milk after eating a ghost pepper candy.
May 11, 2011
The nicest North Market memories are the early Saturday mornings picking out the freshest produce and flowers from the Ohio growers. Columbus is very fortunate to have such a wonderful place to meet, eat, socialize and shop.
May 11, 2011
My favorite memory is going to Pure Imagination and getting a sampler for a special Valentine’s dinner I made for my boyfriend (now husband).
May 11, 2011
I would love to win tickets to North Market apron gala. I am a foodie so this would be so much fun !! My favorite memory is anytime my husband and I can gp and just walk around and shop and try new items …we just love it there !!!
May 11, 2011
My favorite memory of the North Market is the day a 10-yr-old son of a vendor educated me about WHY I should only eat local honey and purchase local beeswax products. He was well-informed, passionate and absolutely correct!! I thought to myself, wow…this is a shopping experience I have never had, but I want to have it again! Now I always ask the vendors for their knowledge and I learn while I taste and grow as I shop. 🙂
May 11, 2011
We’ve really come to enjoy the N. Market more since we had our daughter. She loves to listen to music and dance there and we’ve done the Market to Market ride starting there twice now. My favorite memory so far though was a butter making class in the Dispatch Kitchen with Warren from Snowville Creamery. Good times, good food, good fun always!
May 11, 2011
My favorite North Market memory is from a few years back, when my wife bought us tickets to the Lynne Rossetto Kasper dinner. Not only did I get to sample small plates from Basi Italia, the Greener Grocer and Jeni’s, but Lynne answered my culinary question that had gone unanswered for years.
May 11, 2011
One of my favorite events was the Sunday Supper that Lisa Dillman held in the kitchen upstairs. The food was great, the cooking was fun to watch, and I met some fascinating people. I miss those dinners and appreciated the Market allowing their space to be used that way.
May 11, 2011
I’ve spent many Saturdays at North Market and love what a community resource and meeting place it is. I have so many “North Market friends,” it’s way more than just a place to get some lunch or veggies.
May 11, 2011
I used to work near the north market. My daily stroll through the market not only served as a frequent lunch spot, it also provided inspiration for dinner.
May 11, 2011
My favorite North Market memory is of my family stopping by for “fast food” night. We’d all get something different, usually trying something new. And the really great part about it? Not only are there healthy choices, but my daughter who is famously finicky, would always be excited to go. Its the one great dining stop that she doesn’t complain about. We love North Market!!
May 11, 2011
My favorite memories at the North Market always involve sitting at the counter at Jeni’s with dear friends or family members who have come to visit us in Columbus. We bring all of our out-of-town loved ones to the North Market, and they always thoroughly enjoy their visit! When both of my sisters were visiting us several years ago, the North Market made a particularly strong impression on one of them – even though she lives 1000 miles away, she always buys me North Market gift certificates for my birthday, a greatly appreciated gift!
May 11, 2011
My favorite North Market memory was a date. Great place to wander, try new things and learn about each other.
May 11, 2011
My daughter, Grace Adele, and The Grand Band are frequent entertainers at the North Market. We have grown to love the North Market and go often, because we are renovating a condo downtown and consider the North Market our personal grocery store! Favorite memory is ordering the flowers for another daughter’s wedding 11 years ago from Market Blooms sitting at a table (with Marty) among the shoppers and the vendors going over the order for all the bouquets. Gorgeous, fragrant flowers.
May 11, 2011
When I lived in the Short North, the North Market was still the old building. Every Saturday morning, I would walk to the North Market for fresh produce and flowers. What was cool was the people that shopped the old North Market. It’s common to see the mayor shop there on a Saturday morning… it was great place for place of socializing and people watching.
May 11, 2011
My favorite memory/routine is the trek over before/after a hockey game for some Nida’s sushi and/or Jeni’s ice cream.
May 11, 2011
My favorite memories include bringing new people to NMarket. Watching their eyes light up in fascination as they walk by each vendor, carefully considering their meal choice. I love it and love sharing this jem of a place with others!
May 11, 2011
I think the North Market is perfect for everything!
I’ve been on dates there. I meet my friends for lunch. It’s a great place to take out-of-town guests.There is amazing people watching all the time. The vendors and the farmers are so kind and always willing to share information or a smile. I love that I live nearby and can go without worrying about parking!
🙂
May 11, 2011
I have always wanted to go to the North Market since moving to Columbus. I have tried everything to get my husband to go and he just refuses. I know if I won the tickets I could easily get him addicted to going and enjoying the all the wonderful foods. I am a true home chief and love to cook and try anything at least once. Please let me win!!!
Hungry Family
May 11, 2011
My favorite North Market memory is when my husband and I attended our first wine tasting experience. I was skeptical because of the tiny glass samples and the amount of tickets for the entrance price. Well lets just say, when we left i had a slight sway to my walk. Can’t wait til the next one coming this summer!
May 11, 2011
I don’t know if I have a single favorite memory….more like a genuine fondness of the North Market. I do remember, the first time I ever got to try the infamous chicken and waffles combo, was at Kitchen Little….and it’s become one of my favorite dishes of all time. I’ve also gotten several friends hooked on it, after introducing them to it. I just love going to the North Market with NO idea what I’m going to get. Walking back and forth, the smells from each kitchen pulling you along, the noise, the crowd, trying to pick something….I truly enjoy it. It’s like a cultural melting pot…with a little bit of everything. Every time I go, it’s like a new adventure for my palate…something different each time. And then, there’s the staples that are always there if you’re just looking for some comfort food. It’s such a unique and special place….we’re very lucky here in Columbus.
May 11, 2011
My fondest memory was the first time I visited shortly after moving to Columbus from Cleveland. It reminded me of the West Side Market in Cleveland. I love the diversity of vendors at the Market. You can literally get everything you need to prepare a great home cooked meal all in one place.
May 11, 2011
My favorite memory at north market would be went we went to the firey food fest. My little girl walks in and they are giving out sombraro’s and pepper cookies. The lady puts the hat on my little girl and she shouts really loud arrrrbbbaaaaa……….and she then does a spin in the middle of the isle. everyone heard her and turned to look…. when she stoped and saw everyone staring at her she turn just as red as the cookie in her hand LOL…..We love north market my hubby, my 2 kids and me..it is a wonderful weekend out for us!!!!
May 11, 2011
While interviewing for graduate school, I was taken on a tour of Columbus including North Market. I fell in love with the community atmosphere of North Market. Whenever I have out of town visitors, I bring them to the market. Some of my best friends from home even request a visit to North Market when they are in town, or request that I bring home North Market items for the holiday parties. I love the fact that my memories of North Market are not just shared among my good friends in Columbus but with all of my friends and family.
May 11, 2011
I love North Market! I was drawn there even before I ever knew that my great-great uncle started his produce business there (http://www.mercurioproduce.com/history.html). My favorite memory is every time I go there! Taking my kid for sushi at Nida’s & to Jeni’s for ice cream is the best. Then bringing home Mrs. Gatterdam’s Eggs (now at Heil’s), Snowville milk & half-and-half (at Greener Grocer) and chicken from North Market Poultry & Game. Of course there are always so many other wonderful things as well. Best place to bring friends and family for lunch–everyone is happy!
May 11, 2011
I never miss the Food & Ohio Wine Festival! I’m also planning on participating in the Fall Market to Market Ride. It sounds like a great time. 🙂
May 11, 2011
My favorite North Market memory…the first time I visited there, last fall with friends. I had just moved back to Columbus after 20+ years away. A beautiful sunny fall day, great deals at the farmer’s market, yummy lunch from Taste of Belgium, Jeni’s for dessert. What a great welcome home!
May 11, 2011
Whenever I work at the Main library during the summer, chances are I’m riding my bike. There’s nothing I like more than to stop over at the North Market on my way home to reward myself for what I’ve done and to gather my strength for the rest of the trip. My last summer trip included sitting on a picnic table on the veranda, eating a sandwich from Brezel and some delicious Jeniness. What a wonderful way to relax and recharge!
May 12, 2011
My most fond memory of North Market is the day my husband and I happened upon it during our first visit to Columbus. I had no idea what food heaven was waiting behind those doors! What a unique landmark in the City of Columbus.
May 12, 2011
Oh there are too many favorite moments to name. There was the time when a friend came back to Columbus for a weekend and the only plans he had were to go to North Market. We took our time going to every single vendor there and settled on a ton of Indian food for lunch in addition to many other purchases.
But probably my absolute favorite was the first time I tried Omega’s bread. It tasted EXACTLY like the bread I lived on while studying in France. I still tell everyone that they have to go there and buy some bread.
May 12, 2011
I’ve only lived in Columbus for a relatively short time. I do, however, remember when I first discovered the dish pho at Lan Viet in the North Market. Yummy deliciousness!
May 12, 2011
Lunch with my daughter on the patio!
May 12, 2011
My favorite North Market memory is when my now-husband and I first moved to Cbus and were exploring the area – we came across the North Market and sampled our way through, discovering Jeni’s, of course!
May 13, 2011
So far – my favorite times at the market were for the Fiery Foods weekend, and the classes that I took at Omega Artisan Baking…. Amy and Mike are an awesome team, and I had a great time!
May 13, 2011
Hi thanks for the opportunity to win free tickets! I would LOVE to win. I need an excuse to get out my spring apron and come to enjoy the great foods at North Market! I remember coming years ago when the farmers would be in the parking lot. That was prior to the renovation,
May 14, 2011
I can’t pick a favorite – though my classes at Bluescreek were very enjoyable – love those people. Every time I go to North Market it’s really a fun happening time for me.
May 15, 2011
I love taking people new to Columbus to the North Market. Spending a day sampling at the shops, grabbing bites, and feeling the energy of the space is a blast. I have not yet had one unhappy guest when this is my choice for our dining adventure!
May 15, 2011
Driving to the market all the way from Licking County with my Dad so that we could pick up the freshest fish from Bob the Fish Guy and cooking tips for dinner with friends!
May 15, 2011
Favorite memory, had to be when we first moved to the Columbus area and realized that there was a place right downtown that had local meats. We were so impressed and thankful and have been purchasing meats from there for ourselves and our dog for 6 years now. 🙂
May 15, 2011
The North Market us where I took my mom for lunch to tell her she was going to be a grandma! We celebrated with Jeni’s Ice Cream after!
May 15, 2011
My favorite memory of the North Market Apron Gala is that it is where I met my husband!! I was working as the weekend office manager at the market when I 1st moved here from Pittsburgh PA and would sometimes work evenings or help at special events such as the gala. I was walking around the market cleaning up and getting ready to be done for the evening when I was stopped by one of our merchants. He asked if I still planned to join some others at a party down the street and JJ was standing there talking to him. The vendor introduced us and I went back to work. JJ came with us to the after-party and it is fairly well history from there! Here we are together almost 6 years later 🙂
May 15, 2011
My favorite North Market experience is every time I bring my family from PR and they go crazy buying baklavah from firdous. My Mom RIP, used to go to Firdous and fly back with a full tray of desserts from them. Now we always keep her memory alive, by making a special trip to the North Market and have some baklavah from Firdous.
May 15, 2011
I have so many great memories from the North Market. I shop at the market every week and always look forward to picking up favorite from Green Grocer, Pam’s, Jeni’s, Bubbles, Bluecreek and so many more. I think one of my favorite memories is of attending the Saturday Farmer’s Market with my daughter when she was very small. She was just thrilled with getting a yellow watermelon and having her face painted. Stopping by each week for fresh produce is still one of our favorite things to do together.
May 15, 2011
Well, I don’t have a favorite memory of the Apron Gala to share…. I’ve never even been to the North Market…. but this looks like such an awesome event….
My mom and I always talked about making a trip to the North Market,,, but we ran out of time.. Last summer my mom gave up her fight to live. She had been in Cleveland Clinic for 8 months after having a double lung transplant… she had one complication after another…and had suffered more than anyone should have to…..
When I saw the ad for the Apron Gala….. I thought of mom… she would’ve been there with me …. probably wearing her favorite apron…the one I made in Home Ec class in 7th grade!!!!
May 15, 2011
My favorite memory is the first time we tried the food at North Market Poultry (before Hania’s split off.) We were given a mini-tour of the prepared food case with lots of samples and made to feel very welcome. Such great customer service!
May 16, 2011
Five years ago I attended my first Ohio wine festival at North Market with a group of friends. After an afternoon of wine tasting and lunch one friend I’d had a crush on for months offered to drive me home. When he dropped me off we had our first kiss! We’ve been together ever since and celebrate our “anniversary” during the Ohio wine weekend!
May 16, 2011
My favorite market memory is of buying my daughter flowers from Market Blooms. I picked up a fabulous yellow assortment before taking her to her Father Daughter Dance. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to get her but with some thoughtful input from the merchant I made a great choice and I can still picture her smiling face holding those flowers.