Menu Collection: Country Roads Online

farmers' markets

Baton Rouge
Red Stick Farmers’ Market
Saturday Market: Fifth Street at Main, 8 am–noon.
(225) 267-5060
Locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables from area farmers are showcased year-round alongside breads, pies, pecans and pastries. There’s also jams, jellies and preserves to fresh seafood, milk, eggs and cheese. For meat eaters there’s Black Angus beef, Louisiana lamb and free range chicken.

Covington
Covington Farmer’s Market
City Hall, 609 North Columbia Street,
Saturdays, 9 am–1 pm and Wednesdays, 10 pm–2 pm
(985) 892-1873
Launched in 1995, this market provides an opportunity for farmers and community garden growers alike to sell their wares. In addition to loads of fresh produce—much of it interesting, off-beat stuff—you’ll also find sauces, jams, jellies, dips, sandwiches, Creole cream cheese, nut pâtés and salads. Try the hormone-free beef and the fresh seafood. Live music and cooking demonstrations every Saturday create a lively atmosphere.

New Orleans
Crescent City Farmers’ Market
700 Magazine Street • Saturdays 8 am–noon
Uptown Square, 200 Broadway Tuesdays 9 am–1 pm
(504) 861-5898 • www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org
Looking to pick up some mayhaw jelly, eggplant hummus, rabbit sausage, heirloom garlic or three-seeded bread? Then head for one of these outstanding markets, where an array of flowers, unique veggies, prepared foods and baked goods await. The markets feature seasonal produce, Creole cream cheese, plants, yummy things in jars, and seafood direct from fishermen, much of it caught just hours before the market opens.

St. Francisville
St. Francisville Farmers’ Market
Agriculture Pavilion on Wilcox Street (between Commerce Street and Highway 61) May—November, Thursdays, 1 pm–5 pm (225) 635-3614
The Felicianas have a strong agricultural tradition, one that you can see up close and personal when you visit this farmers’ market. Historically prominent crops from the region that can be found here include tomatoes, blueberries, and peaches in the summer; and sweet potatoes and greens in the fall. Look for cut flowers, honey, pies, preserved figs, and pepper sauce, too.

grocery & gourmet

Calandro’s Supermarket
4142 Government Street (225) 383-7815
431 Perkins Road (225) 767-6659
Baton Rouge, LA.
Since 1941, this locally owned Baton Rouge grocery store has aimed to please with helpful service and a commitment to stocking both hard-to-find gourmet items and regional goods and produce. Throughout the growing season, you’ll find blackberries, strawberries, watermelons, squash, beans, eggplant, peaches, tomatoes and even crabapples, from Louisiana farms. Choose a bottle of wine from the store’s ample selection, a few cheeses in the deli, and some fresh baked bread.

Calvin’s Bocage Market
7675 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA. (225) 927-2051
Calvin’s has the scope and selection of a large supermarket, but with goods that appeal to busy party hosts. This grocery store’s strength is its large selection of fresh and frozen prepared foods. Check out interesting gourmet items in the freezer like phyllo triangles and sweet or savory layered tortes. Their chicken salad has earned repeated honors as the best in town. A nice assortment of hard-to-find international foods, too.

High Cotton
312 Main Street
Natchez, MS. (601) 304-9706
At High Cotton you’ll find everything from the finest pots, pans and the Viking range on which to fire them up—to acclaimed cooking classes that will help you get the most flavorful results from your efforts.

Langenstein’s
800 Metairie Road • Metairie, LA. (504) 831-6682
1330 Arabella Street • New Orleans, LA. (504) 899-9283
www.langensteins.com
More than eighty years ago, the first Langenstein’s opened its doors in uptown New Orleans. The quality has continued in the presentation of unique local foods, fresh produce, imported gourmet items, a bakery, and fresh meat and seafood sections. Prepared items include crawfish bisque, muffulettas, grillades, seafood gumbo, and many other specialties, all made from family recipes.

The Panhandler
2561 CitiPlace Court • Baton Rouge, LA. • (225) 927-4371
The Panhandler specializes in hard-to-find gourmet items, including fine specialty foods, sauces, jams, jellies and pastas, particularly ones made by small companies. This shop also carries kitchen equipment including fine cutlery, utensils, and pots and pans.

Pocorello’s
Italian Grocery and Deli • 12240 Coursey Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana • (225) 293-3737
www.pocorellos.com
Owned and operated by the Pocorello family since 1985, this cozy shop offers imported and domestic Italian groceries, meats, cheeses, Italian wines, pastas, olive oils, antipasti, stuffed artichokes and more. Pokie Pocorello will answer your questions and escort you through the nuances of great Italian fare.

Whole Foods Market
5600 Magazine Street • New Orleans, LA. • (504) 899-9119
3420 Veterans Highway • Metairie, LA. • (504) 888-8225
7529 Corporate Boulevard • Baton Rouge, LA. • (225) 218-0452
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
This national chain’s fresh produce, much of it organic, is noteworthy not only for the freshness of its offerings but for its artful presentation, too. In addition to a full array of preservative-free grocery items, the stores feature domestic and imported wine, beer and cheese, natural body and nutrition items, fresh roasted coffee, a gourmet deli, sushi bar, artisanal breads and more. Dine-in service, too.