The new farmers' market at the Prudential Center will make Thursdays in the Back Bay like market days in Provence, if David Gilson's dream is realized. At this market, local businesses will have a presence. Gilson explained that in Europe, when markets and locals blend, everyone does better.
This veteran farmer's market vendor, sees the Prudential Market as an opportunity for Back Bay shops and restaurants to, "show customers how fresh, local products relate to their business." "The attitude of this market will be inclusive, whether it's the music schools having students perform or area restaurants having access and showcasing some of their talented chefs and menus," Gilson said.
It's fitting that Sel de la Terre, with it Provençal-inspired cuisine, was the first neighborhood restaurant to embrace the concept. Chef Louis DiBiccari calls their participation in the market an extension of the Boulangerie program begun ten years ago at the Sel de la Terre on State Street.
"We'll have an opportunity to showcase more farm-to-table cooking," said DiBiccari. He explained that Chef Frank McClelland of Sel de la Terre and L'Espalier has purchased a Massachusetts farm. On this property, he's planting some of the products the restaurants will use this season. "Our composed salads will be an expression of what he is growing."
Besides composed salads, Sel de la Terre will sell sandwiches, breads, cookies pastries and some of the produce from Chef McClelland's farm at the market.
Other vendors will sell Asian greens, fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, bread, cheese, chocolate, and pastries. More alliances will be announced as the season progresses.
Gilson credits Andrea Simpson, Director of Marketing for Boston Properties, with leadership of the project and for reaching out to help area merchants benefit from the market. "This is helping local businesses, and it's helping farming families stay in business. We'll all get more customers if we work together," said Gilson.
The market will take place on the Boylston Plaza (between the Hynes Auditorium and the entrance to the Shops at the Prudential) every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., from May 21st through October 29th.
Here's the current list of vendors for the Prudential Market.
- Bolton Flats - Asian Greens
- Dick's Market Garden
- Drumlin Farm
- Fiore Di Nonno cheese
- Gilson Family Herb Enterprises, Ltd
- Iggy's Bread Ltd.
- MacArthur Farm
- Sel de La Terre
- Springbrook Farm
- Stillman's at The Turkey Farm
- Tatte, Inc
- Taza Chocolate
- When Pigs Fly Bread
Details:
(Photo credit: ©2009 Penny Cherubino)
The photo above is a sample of a composed salad like the ones that Sel de la Terre will sell at the market. It has spring greens, asparagus, breakfast radishes, toasted pinenuts, fava beans, and shaved cheese. It's dressed with a lemon thyme vinaigrette and served with a piece of handcrafted buratta.
The bread from the Sel de la Terre Bakery is a baguette, and loaves of brioche and olive bread.
The grilled sandwich features Black Forest ham, Gruyere cheese, pickled shallot and whole grain mustard.
Gilson Family Herb Enterprises, Ltd
www.gilsonslyceum.com
Sel de la Terre
www.seldelaterre.com
