Tour guide Linda Koenig was a wealth of information--and a treasure herself.
Our first destination was Soulard Market, but before we arrived there, we saw quite a few sights while on the bus. We passed the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which is 100 city blocks long. We even spotted a couple Clysdales grazing behind the AB fence. When Linda asked us what country the Clysdales were originally from, she got several answers. My guess was Lichtenstein. The correct answer: Scotland.
Driving down South Grand we saw Tower Grove Park and learned about the large Bosnian population (estimated at 70,000) that has settled in the area.
The entrance to Soulard Market in South St. Louis (on left) was bright and decorated with lovely summer flowers. Soulard Market is the oldest continuous farmers' market west of the Mississippi. While many of the stalls were empty, several were just unloading their trucks and we managed to make some purchases.
I bought some home-grown tomatoes from a farmer from Southern Illinois. At another booth I bought a patty pan squash. It had such an interesting shape I had to buy it! When I asked the man selling the vegetables how to prepare it, he wasn't quite sure. His English wasn't the best, so I decided to buy it anyway and do an Internet search for cooking ideas. If anyone knows how to prepare it, please let me know.
I passed up the bargains at the butcher shop (on the left) where you could buy goats, lamb, pickled pigs feet, and other unusual meats. The sign at the bottom about the Pet Shop out back got me curious--and cautious.
But I couldn't pass up the Spice Shop. Just walking inside was an adventure. Kathleen bought a spinach and cheese spice mix to use for a dish for Bunco, and I bought some spices for my husband Walt--who loves to cook.
If you're ever in St. Louis, check out Soulard Market for an some delicious sights, sounds, smells and--when you get home--tastes. Be sure to check out the dates and times before you go because it's not open every day.
Next week I'll post about some of the other cool places we visited on "St. Louis Treasures Tour" on the hottest day of the year.
Sounds like a great way to spend the day with your sister! Let us know how your squash turns out. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, fun! I love food markets like that!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Donna
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
It was fun!
Donna
Hi Donna, I was especially intrigued by your photo of the butcher shop/pet store! Now there's a story starter for you! Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteMy friend goes there...brought me a nice canvas bag years ago with Soulard on it...wish I could visit sometime!
ReplyDeleteHi Clara,
ReplyDeleteYep. It got my attention too.
Hi Bookie,
You should visit some time.
Donna
I want to take the kids there this fall when it's a little cooler. My parents used to take me when I was a kid, it was always an adventure!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a lot of fun! Glad you enjoyed yourself :)
ReplyDeleteHave never been there but have heard wonderful things. Sounds like so much fun, and your picture is making it even more tempting!
ReplyDeleteMy husband used to work at a plant near Tower Grove and Chouteau. When he told some co-workers about possum-hunting as a kid, they told him they bought their possums at Soulard Market. I don't know if they really did, or if they were just pulling his leg. But they did advise him to only buy a possum that still had one of its feet, because that's how you can make sure it's not a cat. Kind of creepy, and possibly a joke, but your "unusual meats" photo made me think of that.
ReplyDeleteSoulard is a great place, and the spice shop is my favorite. The aroma in there is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteSoulard is wonderful. Great prices, good food!
ReplyDeletePat
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