Farmer’s Market Grill

I long for the day I can tend to my own tomato, pepper, squash and cucumber plants.

Living in an apartment puts me at a slight disadvantage for growing a garden. There isn’t enough sun for potted tomatoes, and the most I can grow on our small balcony is basil and rosemary. Being on the second floor doesn’t help either.

The difference between homegrown fruits and vegetables versus what is available at most grocery stores, is like night and day. (Mocholate and chocolate people.) And my desire for local produce leads me to the Farmer’s Market most Saturday mornings.

I love everything about a farmers market. The earthy smells, browsing stalls of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, talking to the very people who nurtured the plants to maturity, supporting their hard work and knowing exactly where my food comes from…this is what eating should be about. Wholesome, fulfilling, satisfying.

We usually hit up the person selling gulf shrimp (only in the South!), but sadly they have been noticeably absent this year. One particular morning we noticed sticker labels on butternut squash from Guatemala, which was disappointing, not to mention a bit shady. Otherwise, leisurely walking around the market is a wonderful way to start the weekend.

The Jackson Farmer’s Market is near downtown and the fairgrounds on High Street. Conveniently located within the same building is the Farmer’s Market Grill. It makes sense to have a restaurant near the market, and the grill cooks with fresh vegetables when in season (fabulous!).

At breakfast time they offer a plate with one meat (sausage or bacon), one biscuit (optional gravy on top), two eggs, grits or hash browns,  and coffee for a mere $5.

During the week they offer different plate lunch specials ranging from fried chicken to hamburger steak to fish. For $7.75 you get a meat, two vegetables, potato or rice and gravy, bread and iced tea. There also is a vegetable place which includes three vegetables, bread and iced tea for $6.75. Their menu also offers a few other items such as a hamburger, french fries and drink for around $5.

If you are in the military, law enforcement or a fireman, go in in uniform and get a plate lunch for $6.75. What a deal!

Every time we have eaten there, we get more food than we can handle. It’s unpretentious, down home Southern cooking at a terrific price. Support the community, your Mississippi farmers, and enjoy some good eats!

Farmer’s Market Grill
929 High Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone 601-944-0024