When the Elmwood Bidwell Market winds down, the Horsefeathers Winter Market gets going. On Saturdays, November 5th through the first week in May, the Winter Market at 346 Connecticut Street will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.. The hours have been adjusted to accommodate the habits of shoppers which in years past involved getting a later start on cold Saturday mornings. If you want to come earlier, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Lait Cru; they open at 9:00 a.m.
The Horsefeathers Market is a family friendly shopping experience where you can purchase groceries and have breakfast, lunch or brunch at the new Lait Cru restaurant. When Nickel City Cheese moved from their Elmwood location to the Horsefeathers building, they brought along their delicious cheeses and other specialty products. They also opened a restaurant featuring French food in a casual environment. Referring to her restaurant as a brasserie, Jill Forster cooks up straight forward French food with a menu that offers a few appetizers, entrees and dessert. They now serve wine and beer, including classic brunch beverages. Having had dinner there a few times, I can attest to the good food, attentive wait staff and the beautiful, friendly environment. Both times I had the fish dish, but others at our table had chicken which they said was also excellent.
In the line-up for the Winter Market this year, there will be old favorites public Espresso and Coffee, Blu Table Chocolates, Alpine Made soaps and Green Heron Growers. Stocking up on coffee, wine, soap and greens is a great way to get ready for the week ahead. Add to that the new vendors which are: Lilly Belle meads, Jeca Energy Bar, Home Cooked Buffalo, Black Book Magazine, and Butter Block; at Horsefeathers Winter Market, you will be able to purchase gifts, staples and specialty items as well as enjoy a unique shopping experience.
To add to the festivities, there be live music at the Market on Saturdays. During the week, besides Nickel City Cheese and Lait Cru restaurant, you can shop at Nature’s Apothecary for fresh juices and eat in or take-out food at Michelle’s Caribbean Cuisine. If you would like to join the list of vendors, contact Horsefeathers Winter Market management at 716-381-9838 or email Jason@frizlengroup.com.
I’ve heard the Horsefeathers Winter Market compared to New York City’s Chelsea Market and in general, European markets. It’s a sensory-rich and educational experience where you can expect to see people and buy directly from food producers. In my experience, conversations with producers can even result in new product creations. When my sister Kate spoke with Kerry Plank-Beiter at Alpine Made, she shared her success with goat milk soap as a stain remover. Kerry ran with it and produced a goat milk stain remover in an easy to use stick form that you can carry with you. I would not want to be without it.
What makes Buffalo great? It’s our spirit, our community, our making it happen against all odds. If you love that quality and want to contribute to Buffalo’s resurgence, you can support local producers and restaurateurs on Saturdays at the Horsefeathers Winter Market. While you are on Connecticut, if you stroll down the street toward Richmond, you can see what else is happening there. There’s Bread Hive sandwich shop, Burning Books book store, and Jill’s brother’s restaurant Black Sheep that are worth checking out. Explore, enjoy and celebrate: that’s what Saturdays are for!
Winter Market at Horsefeathers starts up this Saturday, November 5. 2016 looks as if it going to be a good year for the market – Public Espresso + Coffee will be returning, and a few of the staple vendors will be setting up, including Green Heron Growers and Alpine Made. There will also be some new faces this year – Jeca Energy Cookies & Bars, BlackBook Magazine, Home Cooked Buffalo and Carla’s Crumby Creations, Inc. for example.
Along with all of the seasonal vendors, Lait Cru Brasserie is up and operational. They will be serving up lunch fare, as well as beer, wine, champagne and cider (as of a few days a ago). Nickel City Cheese & Mercantile will also be on hand, as will Michelle’s Caribbean Cuisine and Nature’s Apothecary.
It all starts this Saturday at the Market at Horsefeathers (Winter Market) – 346 Connecticut Street in Buffalo.
Winter Market at Horsefeathers
Saturday, November 5 2016
Continuing every Saturday through the winter
10 AM – 2 PM
346 Connecticut Street – West Side