2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year

2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year

2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year

2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year

2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year

2001-02 archive
2002-03 school year
 

At this adolescent stage in our lives, nutrition is but another idealistic catch phrase that provides a long-term goal we tend to forget as we pursue our daily activities. If we were to take an active role in the maintenance of our body through proper eating habits, then I am here to report it can be done tactfully and quite enjoyably. 

I give you (drum roll please) the North Market. Located in the Arena District downtown on Spruce Street, the North Market has become a well-known secret to all interested in the best Columbus food-service has to offer.Ê It is renowned as the peak of quality when it comes to food, both in freshness and variety. Over 30 different shops populate the building, each with its own variety of delicacies.Ê There is A Touch of Earth coffee shop, Firdou's Greek deli and the Best of the Wurst (uh, bratwurst). Across the menus of nearly every stand you will notice many specials catering to a variety of vegetarian, vegan or merely health-conscious individuals.

The possibilities at the Market are endless. With ethnic options of Mexican, Italian, Chinese or GermanÑyep, bratwurstÑ the options are limitless. 
 

Pastaria Seconda displays its delicious offerings for passers-by to look over and consider. In addition to the finished dishes shown above, exotic spices are also displayed.     Photo/Natalie Sisto

Pastaria Seconda displays the specialty spices it includes in its dishes, and the stromboli is a feast of many cheeses, sauce and Italian meats. 

If you're in the pursuit of Mexican salsa, visit Jose Madrid.ÊThe Latino salsa stand makes 14 varieties everyday and puts out a sample bowl of each for passersby to try with homemade chips. Conversation with the knowledgable salsa attendant is a pleasant added bonus.

For those who hold a special place in their hearts and stomachs for sweets and baked goods, Benevolence delivers a reasonably priced assortment of homestyle desserts, candies, and cakesÑno mechanically whipped, hydrogenated icing food products here. It offers cashew chocolate chip bars ... Life is good.

But the fun does not stop there. Nay, because the Market is mainly for those shopping for their home or restaurant kitchens, the freshest of everything is readily available. An abundance of produce stands featuring fresh vegetables and fruit offers a bountiful smorgasbord to many a health-conscious altar. I mean, how many places can you buy fresh basil leaves and oregano stocks? For the carnivore in (some of) us, there is the Bluescreek Farms Meats butcher shop. Owners Cheryl and David Smith bring fresh meat from their farm daily to offer a variety of the finest cuts to North Market perusers.
 

Bob "The Fish Guy," as he prefers to be called, serves fresh seafood to his eager customers.     Photo/Charlotte Buck

Finally, we come to the chief of all North Market activities, the pinnacle of the entire experienceÑBob "The Fish Guy." That's what he calls himself. Pure brilliance. I'll never know how, but Bob manages to get fish no more than a day before he sells them at his corner stand in the Market. His seafood is delicious, plentiful and healthy, and he is more than willing to divulge his philosophies to interested customers. Bob can get deep on you over the sale of Spanish Mackerel.

As you can see, The North Market caters to every epicure's need and desire. I recommend it to anyone with functioning taste buds and a viable means of transportation. Its food stays unparalleled by any commercial venue in the city, and probably anywhere in the free world.