CTST: Yummy new option for healthy living

Celebrate the Small Things: Market District specialty store in Carmel, Indiana

I first heard about Market District from a staff person at work who discovered it when she was up in Indianapolis. A friend and I happened upon it this past Thursday and it was a delight.

It’s like an amusement park for foodies!

We were so excited about the choices that we bought a refrigerated sack, put a bag of ice in it and prepared our more delicate items for the two-hour transport home. Whether we wanted cheese, meat marinade or spice rub, or types of freshly baked bread, the selection was plentiful. We found old-time favorites as well as new tasty options.

I bought freshly baked cranberry walnut bread and the staff person sliced it to my preferred thickness before packaging it to go. I’m trying two new cheeses – one with blueberries and one with ginger and mango. Yum-o! They even had a type of English clotted cream, just in case I wanted to have high tea at my house. Prices were a bit high but I could enjoy many choices on a “treat” basis without breaking the bank.

They had fruits and vegetables I’ve never heard of. They had a fruit that was the size and shape of an armadillo (with prickly spines), at $1.78 per pound. The choice of organic and locally grown produce was the largest I’ve ever seen, and I’m including larger cities that I’ve visited, like Los Angeles,  Chicago and New York.

The variety of desserts went from peanut brittle, fudge and iced pumpkin walnut bars to mini pumpkin whoopie pies filled with cream, cookies, pies, turnovers and more.

They also had a station where I could pick out my choice cut of meat, which they would then season and prepare it to perfection for me to take home. I’d be in the poor house for sure if I lived too close to this store.

They also offer Curbside Express, so I can choose my groceries online, drive to the designated pick-up area, pay for my items and I’m on my way home. Did I already lament that this store is two hours away from home? Argh!

The closest thing we have in my town is a newly opened Fresh Thyme, which is appreciated but doesn’t come close to the variety. When I lived in Denver, my husband and I enjoyed Whole Foods which I now list as second in stature to Market District. If you live in or near Carmel, Indiana, I encourage you to visit this store. Allow at least an hour or two to peruse everything. You’ll join me in celebrating the small things through tasty and healthy choices not available elsewhere!

Note: White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, will soon be selling its locally grown, organic produce and products at Market District! I work for the Sisters of Providence and am grateful and excited that they will be supporting our farm by offering its products!