The Cherry Creek Fresh Market is not so much a farmer's market as it is a gourmet food-oriented street fair. This weekend, there was only one table which I would consider a true farm produce stand, along with a tomato stand, an herb stand, and several flower stands. The Market was predominated by stands selling other types of food, including bread, baked goods, tortillas, tamales, dumplings, smoothies, kettle corn, spiced nuts and honey.
Perhaps because it was the only stand offering a variety of fresh produce, business at the farm stand was brisk.
I tried the vegetarian dumplings ($6) at the Sister's Pantry stand. The dumplings, which are stuffed with shredded carrots, cabbage, mushroom and celery, are lightly fried before being served in a lime-soy sauce. (While the filling does not contain any dairy, the dumplings are not vegan because they are covered in an egg white wash.) Peanut sauce is available for a dollar more. The dumplings were tasty, and quite filling.
I also had a green chili and cheese tamale ($2 each). It was much larger than the tamale
s I'm used to, with an excess of masa dough. Strict vegetarians might choose to steer clear of the green chili and cheese tamales, as they are steamed in the same pot as meat-filled tamales.Another stand at the Market offered black bean and spinach tamales ($3 each). I wanted to sample them, but ran out of room after the green chili and cheese tamale and the vegetable dumplings.
Other vegetarian-friendly offerings included vegetarian crepes, made fresh at the Market, and Greek pastries. At least one participating bakery offered gluten-free goods.
While a variety of foods are available at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, there were no agave marshmallows to be found. Only in Boulder, it seems...
The Cherry Creek Fresh Market has moved just south of its former location. While still located near the Cherry Creek Mall, the Market is now being held on North Cherry Creek Drive itself, next to the bike path. Those who drive can park in the Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot, where the Market was held in the past, or in the small lot across the creek on South Cherry Creek Drive.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Saturdays May 3 through October 25, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesdays June 4 through September 24, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
North Cherry Creek Dr. & University
