Today was the opening of the Winter Market at the Horsefeathers Building on Connecticut Street, and while the various seasonal purveyors were the number one reason that there was such a spike in attendance, there were a couple of other noted highlights at today’s assemblage.
First, the day marked the official grand opening of Martin Cooks’ European style market. From cheeses to canned and bottled goods, many of which are prepared and packed in the commissary in the basement by Paula Danilowicz (Martin’s chef sister – lead image), the market was a seamless fit with the other goings on in the building. If you could make your way through the large crowds of people that clamored together in hallways, corners and doorways, then hopefully you found your way into this bite-sized market that beholds gifts such as Unhinged jewelry to magnetic spice container sets. All around, it’s a fresh take on fanciful foods and fabulous finds, fun to peruse while your waiting for a seat for Saturday brunch at the house restaurant.
Today was also the first day that Chow Chocolat was setting up in preparation for what will become a permanent market stall in the basement (where the Winter Market was held). Co-owner Scott Wisz was on hand serving up some delicacies ranging from mousse to custards to candies. Once the space is fully functional, the chocolatier will incorporate items such as espresso, hand made ice cream, pastries, desserts (many of which will be produced for the trade and/or packaged in-house… including coffee that will also be served hot), truffles, desserts and parfaits. The addition of Chow Chocolat to the market rounds out yet another year ’round reason to shop on Connecticut Street, especially when the Winter Market is in full swing.
Once all of the basement stalls are permanently occupied, developer Karl Frizlen (standing to the right of Scott above) might want to start looking for another building to work his magic. As the Horsefeathers Market magic gains in popularity, there’s going to be less and less room for seasonal vendors. And that’s not a bad problem to have, especially when there are still a few buildings on the West Side that would be perfect for this formula to be replicated!