Foodie Adventures

Union Market Washington DC

This past weekend I ventured out to the Gallaudet neighborhood to check out DC’s semi-newly renovated food market. To my surprise, this market has been around for over two hundred years, moving locations and changing vendors, yet preserving its presence as a vibrant hub for local food merchants.

I first read about Union Market’s anticipated September’s grand opening last summer, but it had completely slipped my mind. I tend to find myself at the Eastern Market every few weekends and decided that I have pretty much exhausted my sample route and needed a change of scene. I remembered Union Market and I finally made the trek out there a few Sundays past.

The market is located just blocks away from the Gallaudet metro station- on the red line. This neighborhood is still very rundown and I would not recommend walking it by yourself. That being said, the market feels like a hidden gem compared to the dilapidated warehouses surrounding it. It makes for a nice surprise.

In my opinion, the market feels very new. The white walls and abundant space gave it that affect. There was not an abundance of vendors, nor visitors. Then again, I went on an overcast, cold Sunday.  I would like to return in the spring or summer when the market is a bit more crowded and lively.  I have read that when the weather is nice you can find food trucks parked outside, pop-up merchants selling artisanal products and several foodie events that the market hosts.

What I liked about the market was that you could have a drink and bite while picking up your groceries in one trip. Union market features artisanal manufacturers, local vendors and small restaurants, alike. 

My friend Kylie and I were cooking that night and had an afternoon to kill- a perfect time to go. We stopped by several vendors, all of which met or exceeded my expectations. Our first stop was at Lyon bakery, where we picked up a fresh loaf of olive bread. The olive loaf was moist with a crunchy crust and a nice mild flavor- delicious. We also picked up cinnamon raison buns, mainly because of the five-dollar minimum for a credit card, and these we only OK. Mind you, I tried them on the following morning and left them out on the counter, which may have contributed to the dryness.

Next, we walk to the butcher at Harvey’s Market for ground beef. The meat was very fresh and the service was great- no complaints here. Our next stop was at the vegetable stand from Almaala Farms. The colorful, perfectly ripened veggies and fruits this man was selling blew me away. He did not appear to be selling much variety, yet each time I asked for something I did not see, he walked around a corner and surprised me with it. He even had an additional stash upstairs that he ran to in order to grab me a mere bunch of parsley. He was kind as can be.

Our next stop was for wine. Cordial Fine Wine and Beer kindly let us in after their 5 pm closing. This retailer features craft beers and specialty wine from small producers. I did not recognize many labels. Luckily, the staff was very helpful. We described the wines we enjoy and he pulled us out two reasonably priced bottles. The wine was great. I am no wine connoisseur, but I can surely appreciate a nice bottle and both exceeded my expectations.  

I photographed one bottle. This was a fairly full-bodied red. I like cabs, zinz and some merlots and I loved this wine. 

Our last stop was for a little snack and drink to get our Sunday funday started. After scoping out what the market had to offer, we settled with Righteous Cheese. The menu is composed of three flights of cheese and wine or beer pairings.  I wish I remembered which flight we chose and the name of the cheeses and wines. Unfortunately, I do not. What I do remember is how knowledgeable and friendly the staff was. The cheeses were fabulous and I really enjoyed two out of our three pours of wine.

All in all Union Market met my expectations. The market itself certainly still needs time to grow, but the vendors are fabulous and as pleasant as can be.