Farewell, Carrot Top.

I did a search and didn't come up with anything on Carrot Top, so I'm wondering how many people in the group know about this place, but for those of us who grew up as foodies in the northern suburbs, there has been, for the last 31 years, a place we could count on for perfect fresh herbs, exotic fruit, prime meat, great deli items, fingerling potatoes, dozens of kinds of wild and exotic mushrooms, and all the other delights one has come to expect now from high-end foodie places, only Carrot Top was in an unassuming little group of buildings in the middle of what was, 31 years ago, just about nowhere (the better to connect with farmers). I first went to Carrot Top 30 years ago, when they were one year old, though they were already becoming known among people who cared about food. It seemed like a long drive back then, from Wilmette (I was still living with my parents back then) to Glenview, well beyond residential areas, though not far from Glenview Naval Air Station, on Old Willow Road, which now has a light but didn't back then (and I'm not sure it even had pavement 30 yeas ago). It was always fun, because there were so many things I'd never seen before, and they were always beautifully displayed. They still are. But I found out, when I dropped in today for some chantarelles and "donut" peaches, that today is their last day. After 31 years in the same spot, they can no longer afford the rising taxes -- and they can't compete with the explosion of shopping opportunities that have come into being since the closing of Glenview Naval Air Station -- Costco is there now and Whole Foods will open soon.

Carrot Top staff was always charming and friendly, and even now, most of us who were in there today chatting with them were more concerned about the staff than we were even about losing this great old foodie hang-out. But at 6 pm tonight, they close their doors, and they're gone.

I figured there weren't a lot of other places I could mention this and have anyone care, but I think a lot of folks in this forum are saddened by the passing of old places like this.

Of course, if you live near Glenview, you still have till 6pm!

Oh, no! They were the only place I ever found fresh sorrel, besides my garden. What a shame.

Well, if you're free any time today or tomorrow, I found out that they are going to have a clearance sale, but they're only telling past customers. The things in which I was interested were pretty picked over when I was there Monday, on their last official day, but the fresh herbs still looked impressive, so it may not be too late to get one last bunch before they're gone.

On behalf of the Corrigan Family I would like to thank you for your kind words. We cherish the exchange! You all were cherished!

I tried to call them today and found out they closed.

What a shame. I have shopped here every once in a while (it has never been close to where I lived) for the past twenty years. Sad to see another source for hard to find produce bite the dust.