Stabenow wants Eastern Market to expand sales days

**JBMcB** · April-14-11, 07:43 PM

I have to agree with DetroitNerd - it's a *FARMERS* market. And as of late, not much of one. My uncle used to go religiously every Saturday morning. He noticed the quality of the produce had been going downhill, so he showed up a half an hour before opening last fall and noticed that at least half the stalls were cutting open bags of Dole celery and carrots out onto their tables. Now he shops at Randazzo's.

**jackie5275** · April-14-11, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by JBMcB

I have to agree with DetroitNerd - it's a *FARMERS* market. And as of late, not much of one. My uncle used to go religiously every Saturday morning. He noticed the quality of the produce had been going downhill, so he showed up a half an hour before opening last fall and noticed that at least half the stalls were cutting open bags of Dole celery and carrots out onto their tables. Now he shops at Randazzo's.

That's interesting and good to know. I wonder if the same thing is true in Royal Oak at their farmer's market.

bartock · April-15-11, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by JBMcB

I have to agree with DetroitNerd - it's a *FARMERS* market. And as of late, not much of one. My uncle used to go religiously every Saturday morning. He noticed the quality of the produce had been going downhill, so he showed up a half an hour before opening last fall and noticed that at least half the stalls were cutting open bags of Dole celery and carrots out onto their tables. Now he shops at Randazzo's.

No way. Not even close.

For the last 8 years I have noticed a gradual INCREASE in the quality of the produce [[as well as the price, in some circumstances) at the market. I don't think
"at least half the stalls" are cutting open bags of Dole celery and carrots on their tables...hell, they used to sell those types of bags 5-6 years ago when the Market wasn't nearly as busy. Now, if I recall, Shed 3 is ONLY for local growers.

Just amazing how something building momentum is so quickly derided by people claiming such a love for a place, and then a hatred or at least condescending fake criticism as soon as someone else comes along and notices. It is the exact same attitude they rip on suburbanites or whatever group of people for. I doubt there are many 15 year olds on this board, but it really is high school popularity mentality.

**Detroitnerd** · April-15-11, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by bartock

No way. Not even close.

For the last 8 years I have noticed a gradual INCREASE in the quality of the produce [[as well as the price, in some circumstances) at the market. I don't think
"at least half the stalls" are cutting open bags of Dole celery and carrots on their tables...hell, they used to sell those types of bags 5-6 years ago when the Market wasn't nearly as busy. Now, if I recall, Shed 3 is ONLY for local growers.

Just amazing how something building momentum is so quickly derided by people claiming such a love for a place, and then a hatred or at least condescending fake criticism as soon as someone else comes along and notices. It is the exact same attitude they rip on suburbanites or whatever group of people for. I doubt there are many 15 year olds on this board, but it really is high school popularity mentality.

Bartock, I think you are too brittle. I would say that the majority of vendors at the market are still resellers. Love the changes Carmody and company have brought to the market, but I think Stabenow doesn't understand that this is what is drawing people and it is mostly small farm production, where you can't simply take off every day and sell without somebody else doing the growing. When you take these *farmers* away from their *farm* then quality will drop. I think it shows that Stabenow doesn't know what she's talking about.

As for high school mentality and suburbs-vs-city stuff, I believe you may have gone off the deep end. Bad morning?

bartock · April-15-11, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Detroitnerd

Bartock, I think you are too brittle. I would say that the majority of vendors at the market are still resellers...

...As for high school mentality and suburbs-vs-city stuff, I believe you may have gone off the deep end. Bad morning?

eh, I'm a bit ornery today. Maybe it's the no meat thing.

Maybe I'll head over to EM for lunch today and get a slice of Supino's.

**Detroitnerd** · April-15-11, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by bartock

eh, I'm a bit ornery today. Maybe it's the no meat thing.

Maybe I'll head over to EM for lunch today and get a slice of Supino's.

That's the spirit.

**JBMcB** · April-15-11, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by bartock

No way. Not even close.

For the last 8 years I have noticed a gradual INCREASE in the quality of the produce [[as well as the price, in some circumstances) at the market

I'm just going by what my uncle claimed. He's been a professional chef downtown for over 30 years and has been shopping at eastern market for most of those. I'd take his word on it.