The beauty of shopping locally is the people you meet, not just born-and-raised New Orleanians, but folks from all over. After a recent Tuesday morning meeting at The Batture, I wandered into the nearby parking lot and discovered the Crescent City Farmers Market. Buzzing with energy, its 15-plus vendor booths offered a vibrant sensory feast and made me quite hungry. I chatted with almost every vendor on the lot (unless they were with another customer) and found myself lingering for over an hour just to hear all of their stories and pro tips. It’s a special experience you just can’t conjure in a grocery store.

My first stop was Girlfriend Bakery, where founder Diane Paterson, a former touring musician, was stationed at her booth, warmly welcoming conversation. She shared that the business began after her partner was diagnosed with a gluten allergy, inspiring her to channel her creativity into crafting wholesome, nourishing gluten free breads. According to the farmers market’s website, the bakery uses local eggs and honey, along with homegrown herbs, organic grains and specialty flours, some of which Paterson roasts and mills herself! The cupcakes with icing on display looked delicious but I left a loaf of dense, flax filled loaf of bread. The texture was soft, yet sturdy and stuffed with hardy grains you could feel gently break with each bite. I’ve been snacking on it for a few days as it seems too precious to waste on a sandwich; although that would be delicious too. I also grabbed a pretty jar of grain free granola for a friend who has been helping me out a lot lately. Two birds, one stone!

My next stop was Constantini Pasta, which contrary to the name had far more than pasta. The owner, a Boston native and former partner in Satsuma Cafe, uses Bellgarde Bakery flour to make fresh radiatori and tagliatelle pasta among others. Not in need of additional grains and on a friend’s advice, I took home the meatballs in sauce. My husband commented, “these remind me of my great grandmother’s meatballs.” She was from Italy, so that’s a pretty great review at our home! For my next visit, I’m planning on scooping up the yummy looking basil pesto and Calabrian pepper marinara sauces.

Another particularly memorable stop was Také Box. This booth immediately drew me in with its striking colors and uniquely shaped fungi. The vendor offered a range of fresh mushrooms alongside grow at home kits, and of course plenty of opportunity to nerd out with them about all things mycological. I left empty handed, but am inspired to make something soon with such beautiful ingredients.

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My last stop was Johndale’s Farm, because it seems like I should leave the market with at least one fruit or vegetable. The overflowing strawberries, nestled in soft blue cartons, evoked memories of childhood spring picnics. A reminder of a simpler time with more readily available whole foods. I had to swiftly leave before making a purchase, but I will be back as my son demands an in season and very ripe strawberry.

In the end, I left with a renewed excitement for spring and the warmer days ahead, when fresh, seasonal food and the gatherings that celebrate them come into full bloom. Additionally, it was a great reminder that even in our small city, there are new people, new foods and new ideas we have yet to experience.