Lots of us can do an Aussie accent; or perhaps whip out a leetle somezing zat’s French sounding.
But can you do Cajun? That one’s tough.
Today is Fat Tuesday. In this country, that celebration is headquartered deep in the heart of Cajun Country, New Orleans (oopf, N’awlins). It’s high time to put a little south in your mouth, and downtown’s Pearl Market is just lucky enough to have its very own in-house expert. Patrons can find real New Orleans Pralines made by a real New Orleans Native: Chandra Noble.
Actually, Noble was born in Ohio – but she spent the first thirty years of her life down in The Big Easy. While her voice is usually velvety smooth, she can whip out that distinctive dialect from her roots in a heartbeat.
There is a RIGHT was to talk about her New Orleans Pralines. While we say pray-lines, back south they say prah-lines… or worse. Noble says, “Sometimes it’s like the L and the R are switched.” Then she pronounces it in a silky southern style that sounds like a cross between prah-reeeeen and plah-reeeeen.
“Or,” she continues, “We just call it pecan candy.” Only she does it with an accent again. Suddenly pecan has three syllables: peh-cah-wnnn.
Regardless of your accent, you can celebrate in Fat Tuesday-style every Friday with New Orleans Pralines in the Pearl Market. No worries about pronouncing the sweet confections: we all sound the same with a mouth-full.
A good guest never arrives at a party empty handed.
If ever there was a fundamental law from the etiquette police, it’d be that one. Even if your host is named “Mom”, it’s just gracious and grown-up to offer a small token of appreciation for the effort it takes to host a big turkey dinner.
And yes, the Winter Pearl Market has you covered. Come down to Broad Street (20 E. Broad Street) immediately (Tuesday, 10:30 am – 2 pm) to pick up a very cool, locally made gift of goodie for Thanksgiving.
Honestly, you won’t need a gift guide or advice. The moment you walk inside the winter market, you’re surrounded with darling things. It’s a giant maze of wonder.
You might pause for a moment at the collection of ceramics by local artist Nicki Strouss. Her coffee mugs require close inspection. No ordinary vessels, the grips on these cups are ergonomically angled to suit the way humans really hold mugs.
Or maybe a crazy bag made from recycled fabrics? Ethel Jayne Originals takes textiles like rugs and shower curtains and gives them a new life as very edgy satchels for gals AND guys.
Bottle stoppers made from old doorknobs and outdoor faucets can be found at IKC design.
A duct tape pen? Hand-painted slate? You really need to stop in to see this stuff. These goods can’t be found at Walmart.
Of course, edible gifts abound too: pumpkin pies, breads and muffins… and fresh fare from our farmers. Or perhaps an extra-special olive oil from The Olive Orchard for the gourmand in the kitchen?
Fall is here in all its golden glory. With Halloween goblins and ghouls, pumpkins and gourds, football and more football. Surely Ohio farmers are putting their beds to bed for a long winters rest, and farmers markets are closing their shutters for the season. Nope, not in downtown Columbus.
Although the outdoor Pearl Market wraps up its season this Friday, the indoor Winter Pearl Market will come right in on its heels. Thanks to a grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Farmer Market Promotional Program, Capital Crossroad SID has extended Pearl Market’s season through February. It’s an idea that came from vendors and shoppers alike, who told Pearl Market staff that they would like to continue selling and shopping. So more Market they shall have.
Starting next Tuesday, you can shop each Tuesday and Friday from 10:30 am – 2 pm on the first floor of 20 E. Broad Street. Approximately 34 vendors will be there with their wonderful good and local produce (yes, it’s all still local – mostly grown in greenhouses), baked goods, meats, cheeses, oils, syrup, jams, eggs, soaps, jewelry, sweaters, bags, dog-friendly items, and much more. There will also be an art gallery produced by the Create Columbus Commission and a Holiday Marketplace with gift items. Also new for the indoor Market, customers can shop with the Ohio Direction Card (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Food Stamps).
Kimberly Esque-Marino is the owner of a really cool local indie company catering to dog owners: Potty Pocket.
Potty Pocket is a vendor at the Market and Kimberly talked a bit to us about her company:
What is a Potty Pocket?
A Potty Pocket is a small bag for the dog owner to keep by their dog leash which can hold any items they may need while on their walk. It has two pockets, inside pocket for personal items such as cell phone, house keys, dog treats etc.. and a outside pocket for potty bags to be pulled from the slot at the bottom of the pocket. It is made out of water and stain resistant nylon fabric and is washable. The straps are adjustable and long enough for it to be worn across the body to keep both hands free.
Why was it developed?
Upon becoming a first time dog owner, the daily walks became a scramble to obtain all of the necessary items for the walk. Potty bags, flashlight and personal items made my pockets bulge as I walked out the door. I wanted something I could just grab with the basic items in it along with room for personal stuff. I searched the market and my needs were not met. So, I designed what I wanted and my friends and family loved it and wanted one of their own. They encouraged me to develop it and sell to the general public.
I love what Kimberly had to say about being at Pearl Market:
“We love the opportunity to be among creative individuals who have unique products that are hand crafted with care. As the small independent retailers are disappearing from the market place it is nice to know that consumers who are looking for quality items have a place to go and shop. When we support local artists and farmers, we are supporting our community, thus ourselves.”
I also love that she told us how Potty Pockets could have been sent to China manufacturing for mass production but she choose to stay local and independent:
“It was important to me that they be made here in Ohio. Potty Pocket is a group effort. Family and friends have helped to get this idea off the ground. I designed and make the product, a friend designed the logo and web sight, my sister and husband help to sell them and everyone gives unending enthusiasm and support that has made this challenge a lot of fun.”
Check out her website and visit POTTY POCKETS at the market each week. Tell her the Market Maven sent ya!
Each week there is always a long line to sample the delicious breads of the Great Harvest Bread Company of Pickerington.
I sit across from the stand each week and vow to myself that I will resist the gorgeous baked goods, but always find myself in line trying a new amazing flavor.(UM HELLO jalapeno cheddar this week! YUMMY)
I talked to Keith Dobbs (father of owner Ashlee Dobbs) and he told me that he loves being at Pearl Market because of all of the positive energy. He enjoys the people and the vibe of the market. The market loves him right back and each week he is happily giving away goodness to the masses!
Go visit Keith and staff and help yourself to a sample of the amazing and nutritious offerings. Pick up a loaf to take home! It is amazing!
The pets of Columbus, Ohio are lucky to have Heidi’s Homemade organic pet treats right here at Pearl Market each week!
The staff of Heidi’s is here to sell wonderful organic treats to pets each week! They are knowledgeable and friendly and can help you start your pet on a healthful diet.
The idea for Heidi’s Homemade organic treats for dogs came to us in 1997, when our beloved dog, Heidi, began to exhibit signs of a serious illness. A visit to the veterinarian confirmed our worst fears – Heidi had cancer. We were devastated, but at the same time, unwilling to subject our 10-year-old dog to a treatment program which included chemotherapy.
We researched the benefits of raw organic ingredients and combined them to create Heidi’s food and treats. She steadily improved and lived another two years, though she had been expected to live only six months. We began to follow this same regimen with our other dog, Yoshi, a four-year-old rottweiler-shepherd mix. After following a steady organic diet, his skin problems have disappeared, Giardia – an intestinal parasite – is gone, and Yoshi has a much calmer spirit.
Heidi’s products contain organic locally obtained ingredients whenever possible. They contain no sugar, salt, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, propylene glycol, and artificial palatability enhancers. The ingredients in our treats have been chosen not only for their terrific taste, but also for their health benefits
Bring your pet down to the market this week to check out Heidi’s booth!
Cheryl of Crimson Design Group is awesome! Come check out her storefront at 51 N. Pearl & at the Market. Here’s what she had to say to us the other day:
Can you describe your art and process? Tell us a bit about yourself?
I founded Crimson Design Group 6 years ago after working for a firm here in Columbus. I have always known that I would have my own company at some point in my career. I enjoy the freedom that operating your own business brings. I started working in design in NYC managing a furniture boutique in Soho. I loved the city but life called me back to Columbus and here I am 10 years later. Crimson Design is a full service interior design firm. We work on a vast scale of projects and clients. We work on new construction projects, remodels, to furnishing interior spaces. (Custom window treatments, furniture placement, lighting, art and all other elements of design)
We are launching a new program called designer for a day. We go into a home recreate a room using their existing furnishings and make suggestions on things they can add as well as color consultations. Room redesigns start at $350.
My philosophy on design and working w/ someone is that we really work on finding out who our client is and translating that into design in their home or corporate space. Finding your style and inspiring your life!!!
So- what inspires you?
Traveling is what inspires me most. I am always changing my environment from day trips out of Columbus to traveling internationally. I love culture and seeing how people live and how colorful everyday life is for people in other countries. Also the simple things in life give me alot of pleasure. Tasting beautifully created food, to fresh cut flowers out of my garden, seeing the array of color combinations in nature, and appreciating beauty in life everyday.
What do you love about Columbus?
I love that Columbus is an easy affordable city to live in. Seeing the growth and change downtown and in the Short North has been fun to see. We just moved into Pearl Alley this year and love the energy that the alley and Gay street brings. It is also a very easy city to fly in and out of. Columbus is my base home and love to see the world from here.
To be truly comfortable, rewarding and timeless, environments must speak to the heart of who you are– as an individual or organization.
Thanks so much! Please stop by Crimson Design and say hello! Tell them the Market Maven sent ya!
Learn a bit about Pearl Market’s Brittle Makers- Jimmie and Linda:
In the early 70’s a friend of ours gave us some brittle. We decided that this would be a good treat for our family at Christmas. Well, we did and it was a mess, but the family liked it so much they were asking for our brittle the next year.
Our family and many friends had been encouraging us to sell our brittle. So in 1999 answering the call, we started going to craft shows in the Columbus area and Jimmie’s Old Fashioned Brittle was born.
During one of our early shows we had competition and became a bit panicked as her display was great and we were new. As the people walked from her booth, and past our booth after trying one of her samples they were picking the brittle out of their teeth. Upon seeing these fine people in distress we stated that Jimmie’s Brittle did not stick to the teeth. And after trying ours, they realized we were right! Having a good product first, then working on your display/marketing was a lesson we learned that day.
And thus our slogan was born:
“Good Brittle won’t STHICK to your teeth”.
We are entering our 11th year and we have made a lot of friends along the way. These friends have made our brittle well known. This business has been a lot of work but we have had a very fun time.
We are presently offering eleven types of brittle including a sugar free brittle. My mother Opal bagged 4,500 bags of brittle last year (over a ton) and she is only 93 years young!
Who would you like to meet at the market this year?
Well we would like to meet all those “Brittle Lovers” out there. We know they have been searching for us and now we have been found at the Pearl. I would like to meet every lady working in the downtown offices so I could reveal to them the secret of eating our brittle and taking a bag home to share with their loving husbands. Linda just came over to confirm my spelling and said, I would like to meet some of those wonderful good looking men in those office buildings too.
I am so excited to meet these folks! Brittle is a guilty pleasure! Please go visit Jimmie and Linda and tell them the Market maven sent you!
PUT SOME SOUTH IN YOUR MOUTH
THANKFUL MANNERS
T’IS THE SEASON
Kimberly Esque-Marino is the owner of a really cool local indie company catering to dog owners: 
Cheryl of 
