Maxwell “Discoveries” -- updated 11/4

Maxwell “Discoveries”:Pickled mango, figs, girls' heads -- updated 11/4

At Maxwell St. Market, I’m always making new “discoveries” (scare quotes included because it’s possible some have commented on these items before even though they just registered with me today).

A vendor of preserved fruits had some items I didn’t recognize.



In this shot, the pale oval fruits on the upper right are a type of young mango, sour in a way that suggests they may have been treated with a vinegar. The pairs of brown balls in the plastic cups at the lower edge of the frame, right of center, are young coconuts – a somewhat odd treat, soaked in a syrupy sweet molasses mixture so that you can gnaw on the hairs outside the shell, though there is no chance a human jaw could break this nut. I just sucked it and it was satisfying.

The red sticks are on the far right are sugar cane sprinkled with peppery condiment; the yellow fruit on the far left are ground cherries, available straight or with peppery condiment.

What first caught my eye were these figs.



These figs were very juicy with a sweet pickle flavor I found unexpected but pleasant. The vendor told me both the mangos and the figs were made in Guerrero.

I had just about given up hope on ever having a Taco al Pastor in Chicago that was served on a tortilla hecho a mano, but I stopped fast when I saw this charcoal TaP setup at Rubi’s.



TaPs are served here on hand-made ‘tillas; I got the deluxe version with a slab of queso fresco, pretty damn good.

I also found some intriguing non-food items.

These beaten copper pans are the the ticket for anyone wanting to whip up a party-sized portion of carnitas.



For those fond of big, obnoxious sounds, check out these noisemakers, which require one-sturdily built male to get going, and once they do, they generate a most abrasive racket.



I’m not sure what these girls' heads are for, but I think they were around $2.00 a piece.



The market was very much alive this morning, and I’m glad I made the spontaneous decision to head over. Jyoti, Josephine and I have been discussing a field trip to Maxwell Street Market, and I’m probably headed back the Sunday before Thanksgiving, 11/18, and would be glad to meet up with anyone else who is so inclined.

David Hammond wrote:I’m not sure what these girls' heads are for, but I think they were around $2.00 a piece.

David - Don't you know? Those heads are used to practice styling hair!

aschie30 wrote:David - Don't you know? Those heads are used to practice styling hair!

Must be for playing at styling hair -- I can't imagine the synthetic strands respond like real human hair. I found them kind of creepy.

David Hammond wrote:I can't imagine the synthetic strands respond like real human hair. I found them kind of creepy.

For $2, what can you expect?

David,

Wish I had know you were going today - a perfect day!
The yellow fruit looks like a fruit called "loquat" that I grew up with. I shall have to do some research and see if I am accurate.

The figs look fantastic!

Jyoti

jygach wrote:David,

Wish I had know you were going today - a perfect day!
Jyoti

You saw my note at the end of the post? Would that be a good day for you?

David Hammond wrote:I also found some intriguing non-food items.

I decorated my first apartment in college largely with items I found at Maxwell Street Market!

David Hammond wrote:Jyoti, Josephine and I have been discussing a field trip to Maxwell Street Market, and I’m probably headed back the Sunday before Thanksgiving, 11/18, and would be glad to meet up with anyone else who is so inclined.

The last time I was at Maxwell was, I think, eight years ago, so I'd love to go back soon. The 25th works for me.

I'd like to join the group too ... but is it the Sunday before Thanksgiving (the 18th) or the Sunday after Thanksgiving (the 25th - I'll be out of town)?

Thanks, NR, I got my dates wrong -- I would like to go the Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving -- November 18th -- so I can get some antipasto items (those little figs, etc.). Hope that still works for you, happy_stomach.

This coming week, I will post an announcement on the Events board. In the meantime, I will change the date in the original post so as to avoid any confusion.

David,

November 18 sounds perfect!
Thank you for offering us a tour - really looking forward to it.

Jyoti

jygach wrote:David,

November 18 sounds perfect!
Thank you for offering us a tour - really looking forward to it.

Jyoti

Glad you can make it, Jyoti. I'll post specific meeting times and a place for that day.

PS. About the yellow fruit you reference, I asked the vendor if they were "ground cherries," and he said "yes," though they probably do go by many names. I tasted them, and they were okay, though a touch mealy and with several tiny seeds.

David Hammond wrote:Thanks, NR, I got my dates wrong -- I would like to go the Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving -- November 18th -- so I can get some antipasto items (those little figs, etc.). Hope that still works for you, happy_stomach.

18th works for me!

David,

the yellow fruit on the far left are ground cherries, available straight or with peppery condiment.

Those yellow fruits in the far left bin are also known as nanches I believe. Here is a short discussion I had with RST a few weeks ago regarding this olive like fruit. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/443514#2973427
The flavor was "interesting" and I'm glad I tried it, but couldn't see eating a whole mess of them.

tony

I haven't yet been to Maxwell St. Market but I am dying to go. What are the basics? Is it only on sundays?

And, does anyone have any recommendations for what I must do while there?

Thanks!

November 18th works for me. Thanks, David, very nice of you to arrange this.

Just an observation, but those ground cherries seem to have larger stem spots than most ground cherries. Since around here you tend to see ground cherries in their paper-like envelopes, these might instead be nances. Though I'm sure the omnivorous Hammond has had nances, for those who have not, they are an interesting experience. They are funkier than ground cherries and taste like mango or papaya with blue cheese. (You can get them preserved at lots of Chicago groceries. I have had them fresh at Sol de Mexico.)

dippy-do-da-egg wrote:I haven't yet been to Maxwell St. Market but I am dying to go. What are the basics? Is it only on sundays?

And, does anyone have any recommendations for what I must do while there?

Thanks!

Yep, only on Sundays. Come along on the 18th and you'll get loads of recs.

Thanks for the invitation! I would love to join you.

See you there.

I’m probably headed back the Sunday before Thanksgiving, 11/18, and would be glad to meet up with anyone else who is so inclined.

I would also be interested in joining the tour. Thanks David!

I was cleaning out my camera’s files and turned up this random shot from last weekend:



On the fringed pouch was a sticker that read, “Recovery Rocks,” and this guy certainly makes it look fun. One could definitely do a photo essay of characters roaming Maxwell St. Market – it draws a crowd unlike that further north on Michigan Ave, in malls…or actually anywhere, come to think of it.

A group of gals from Marquette University came down to spend the weekend, and they wanted to go to Maxwell St. Market this morning, so I got to shop for some items that are usually off my radar, like knock-off designer purses. (Hint: when you ask about the tan D&G bag, the guy will say $35, but you can get it for $25)



I’ve seen this incense lady many times, and today she had some moist incense that looked and smelled pretty good (at least outside, in the open air)





Oaxaca tamales are ALWAYS an instant hit, even with several of the girls who announced, prior to going, that they really didn’t like Mexican food. Note looks of wonder:


Frieda Kahlo art and bogus Botero.



Huantzontle in the foreground; the big brown footballs are mamey; smaller green balls are guayaba.



The Spice Lady endures:



Join us November 18 for Maxwell Street Foray 2007: http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=16055

Well, it appear that Whole Foods, Starbucks, Bank of America, Staples, Dominick's, Wallgreens and more have somehow won a battle together. The batte to move the MAxwell St. Market. The city has recently placed giant M's that say Maxwell Street Market on Desplains from Roosevelt north to Harrison. It would seem that this is going to be a more static home for the market. Does anyone have any real news regarding this topic?

I've been keeping tabs on the progress and, yes, indeed, the market is moving to Desplaines at a date still TBD. I call weekly to find out if they've set a date yet, and it keeps getting moved. Inititally, it was October. Then, mid-November. Then, well, you get the picture.

The move has been in the works for a while, and despite some grumblings about it (partly my own, because it'll be a longer walk), it sounds like the city is taking some extra steps to make sure it's more of a permanent home--including adding water outlets for food vendors (who currently have to cart in their own water), throwing down some benches and trees, and doing the gateway/Maxwell St. signage.

I'll post when/if I ever find out a set date for the move...

Yeah, this was announced at least two years ago and I think there was even a "symbolic" ground-breaking ceremony. News has been sparse this year about why the project has been dragging on so long.

Best,
Michael

eatchicago wrote:News has been sparse this year about why the project has been dragging on so long.

I think the city's glacially-slow resurfacing of Desplaines has something to do with it.