Dinner With Friends & Uptown Market Finds — With Valerie Blomberg

Thursdays are my favorite day of the week. I bike to the Uptown Farmers Market, grab whatever produce catches my eye, and head home to an improvised, open-invite dinner with friends. At my weekly dinners, you won’t find matching plates, perfect recipes, or a formal dining setup. But you will find nourishing food, conversation, and community.

My love for farmers markets goes back many years—back to when I volunteered on organic farms between college semesters. So when I heard that Uptown Farmers Market was returning (thanks to some passionate and persistent neighbors), I knew I wanted to reorient my weekly schedule around shopping for groceries there.

My husband and I recently moved into a new home in the neighborhood, and it’s been a joy to open our doors for a weekly celebration of summer’s bounty. The event description even includes an optional invitation to join me beforehand while I shop at the market. Each week, one or two friends arrive early to help chop vegetables, whisk dressings, or set the table.

The relationships I’ve built with market vendors have quickly become a highlight of my week. I especially love the warm “How was your week?” greeting from Svihel Farms. I’ve been able to source nearly all the ingredients for our dinners from the market—from fresh flowers to vegetables, meat, and eggs. The market has added so much vibrancy to Uptown, and I look forward to many more dinners and connections forged over delicious, locally sourced meals.

📸 photos courtesy of Debra Van De Weghe - @debvdw_foodfacesplaces

Prepared food photo collage by Valerie Blomberg - @valerieblomberg