Gretna farmer’s market

We drove across the Crescent City Connection to the westbank and took the Lafayette Street exit. Once you get off, you take a right on Lafayette street and drive down to 5th street. There you take a left and go to Huey P. Long Avenue. We stopped at Common Grounds Coffee for a strong cafe au lait, then proceeded to the market.

At the beginning of the outdoor market is a visitor center with a statue of baseball legend Mel Ott.

The market is covered held under the old train depot – a nice place in case a stray shower approaches then vendors have shelter from the rain.

At the entrance to the market, Schexnayder’s Acadian Foods is prominent – the business is located in Kenner, LA. and provides catering services as well as selling at both the German Coast and Gretna farmers markets. Their claim to fame is the Hurricane Sauce which can be used in many dishes. I’ve had their catered barbeque and I can attest it is some of the best to be had in the city! Their smoked chicken salad is to die for!!!

If you are looking for bromeliads, this gentleman had a lovely assortment.

Fleur de Bees, a local honey producer was selling honey, lip balm and bee pollen.

The next vendor was Sailey’s Restaurant and Catering. He described his artichokes and informed us they were available at local grocers like Dorignac’s.

The next vendor was Maria Plaisance Catering from Gretna, who gave me permission to post her phone number – 228-9557 – her jambalaya looked mouthwatering!

Next to Maria was Lori with Hungry Hounds Dog Cookies – My friend bought a few for my dog and I can testify that my pup ate every last crumb! She was also selling dried okra pods which were sweet and fresh.

There were a couple of vegetable vendors…

…and a gentleman on the end selling plants and citrus trees. I told him that I’d purchased my satsuma tree from him at the Gretna Market about 4 years ago, and how this winter will be the first that I let it set the fruit. I’d been pinching off the orange blossoms the last few seasons to allow the growth energy to go into the growth of the tree like he recommended and this winter I’ll have well over 3 dozen satsumas ripen – he was happy to hear the report back on his product!

There was some music being played…

…and next to the musicians was the lady from Portera’s Panetteria (Bakery), located in Destrehan 985-764-0291. She makes Italian cookies and takes custom cake orders too!

There was an enterprising young lady helping her mother sell delicious canned goods – the zesty pickles were awesome!

Next to her was Candle Nature, selling all soy candles – they are stocked in the local Rouses Markets.

Chef Ernie of Fame Confectionary – 367-4775 – gave me a few wonderful samples of his delicious and creamy pralines. He and his family also makes heavenly hash, sugared and spiced nuts, all beautifully boxed and ready to give as lovely gifts.

And finally, the couple from Amato’s Winery in Independence, LA. was selling an assortment of their wines.

So afterwards, we walked another block to the riverfront amphitheater to share some hot tamale balls and pulled pork meat pies…

…and to look at all the bounty we’d purchased…

…while enjoying the nice breezes off the Mississippi River.

Another farmer’s market will be profiled in the coming weeks…