Grandview Heights’ New Farmers Market is a Welcome Option on Sundays
Plus, a look at Tulip Cafe's expansion and our favorite picks off the Turkish menu.
The Grandview Heights Farmers Market is a new weekly market that takes place on Sundays. A welcome addition if you work Saturdays or your Saturday mornings are tied up with kids’ sports. But even if your Saturdays are free, it’s always a good thing to have more options for sourcing local food. As a newer market, it’s currently less crowded than the more established Saturday markets and has been thoughtfully laid out with plenty of space.
The Grandview market is a volunteer-driven nonprofit focused on farmers and food producers. Each week, the market hosts around 40 vendors, offering everything from plants to pickles, dog treats to microgreens—and a wide array of tempting baked goods. The Peach Truck will also make weekly appearances until early August (except July 6).
The market is held in the parking lot of Larson Middle School at 1600 W. First Ave. It evokes memories of the pandemic-era Clintonville Farmers Market, when it operated in the Ohio History Center parking lot. Grandview’s market runs from 9 a.m. to noon every Sunday, except Sept. 28. The last outdoor market of the season will be Oct. 12, after which the market will move indoors for winter and its frequency is still to be determined.
Here are some of this season’s vendors to seek out:
Produce
One of my favorite local produce vendors, 9N Farm, is participating in the Grandview market. 9N is an OEFFA-certified organic farm run by Daniel Woods, known for his tomatoes and melons, as well as staples like potatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of summer and winter squash. Don’t miss his sugar cube cantaloupes when they’re in season.
Also look out for Ballyhupahaun Orchard & Farm, which has an especially charming market setup. Another favorite, Blueberried Alive out of Loudonville, will join in July once blueberry season kicks off.
Meat
Twin Oak Farms, based in Perrysville, specializes in beef from Shorthorn-influenced cattle. All of their meat is hormone-free. Farmer Jason Workman says the breed was chosen for its flavor, marbling and docile temperament. The farm has been in his family since 1831. Workman often offers samples of jerky and meat sticks—both excellent—and sells a wide range of cuts, including lesser-known options like picanha, dino ribs, tri-tip and beef bacon.
Doughnuts
The market features two doughnut vendors. Flourish specializes in brioche doughnuts and offers four filled varieties each week, with flavors rotating. Its homemade Nutella doughnut is especially popular. Last week’s offerings included an “everything bagel” doughnut. Owner Liz Priore, a longtime bread baker, launched the business a year ago after being laid off from her corporate job.
Rose Dough Donuts, owned by Katie Passo, showcases remarkable creativity and flavor combinations. She plans to open a brick-and-mortar location later this summer. Rose Dough rotates monthly through six to nine donut flavors and offers a mix of brioche, cruller and old-fashioned cake styles.
Coffee
If you want some coffee to go with those doughnuts, you’re in luck. There are two coffee vendors: Luck Bros Coffee (beans only) and Café Graciela (both beans and ready-to-drink coffee).
Luck Bros is one of my husband Andy’s go-to local roasters. We miss their former First Avenue café, so it’s great to have another outlet for their beans. We often buy them at the Beechwold Farm Market, too.
Café Graciela is an Afro-Colombian, family-operated coffee company committed to high-quality, single-origin beans and educational initiatives for Colombian youth.
Interesting Food Finds
Try the Caribbean-inspired macaroni and cheese kit from Southern Ting. It includes a jar of creamy, coconut-spiced sauce and your choice of regular or gluten-free pasta. Southern Ting also makes a dairy-free caramel sauce and a signature “Ting Ting” sauce.
Don’t miss a jar of Mexican-inspired chili crisp from Bocado Flavor Co.—we’ve sung their praises before in the Foodletter! The condiment is excellent on a range of dishes, especially fried eggs.
Look out for Patisserie Lallier, home to my favorite croissants in Columbus, along with a rotating selection of French pastries and confections. Owner Michelle Kozak is also president of the Grandview Heights Farmers Market board and plans to be at the market at least once a month.
Tips for Visiting the Market
Come hungry. There will be at least one food truck each week offering brunch. Ajumama will appear monthly starting June 22, serving Korean-inspired brunch items. FoodSouls Cuisine, which specializes in Cameroonian dishes such as samosas, jollof rice and plantain beignets, will be there every week.
Bring the kids. There’s a craft table, open seating and a small park/garden at the north end of the market.
Know where to park. Street parking is available on First Avenue, and the Grandview Heights Public Library lot is also an option.
Leave pets at home. The market is mostly on asphalt, so it’s a dog-free zone (except for service animals).
Tulip Café: A Turkish Delight Grows in Columbus
By Bethia Woolf