Day 786 : Dekalb Market's Opening Weekend

Live music? Check! Drinks flowing? Check! Locally sourced eats? Check! One of a kind artisanal jewelry, crafts, clothing and more? Check! The absolute perfect spring weather for a day spent outside with a good friend? Check! Where did we manage to accomplish all of these you might be wondering right?

Well that's simple! At Dekalb Market located at 138 Willoughby Street in Brooklyn. It was Smorgasburg meets the Brooklyn Flea meets Water Taxi Beach with its own flair. Walking up to the constructed space the first thing that crossed my mind was the fact that this was the second time I had seen shipping containers utilized so intelligently, the first time being the "Ashes and Snow" exhibition in 2005 along the Hudson.

Here the shipping containers were utilized as individual storefronts with occupants ranging from Etsy curated spaces to vintage sunglass retailers to retro bathing suits designers and more. Apart from the retail opportunities there was an excellent selection of local restaurants / start-up food companies / neighborhood eats and more. We split an artichoke bruschetta with Parmesan, herbs, and goat's milk cheese along with a portobello panini with mozzarella and homemade pesto and beefsteak tomatoes. Simple straight forward food that was easy to eat with your hands -- important in an environment like the market.

Classic rock n' roll mixed with some funk was being played on the loud speakers with a dance floor should you feel the desire to get down and boogie. Not interested in dancing, food, shopping or booze? Fret not, today there was a mini petting zoo!

Maybe that wasn't your cup of tea? They had arts and crafts and other workshops and what looked like the beginnings of a community garden planted to the hilt with fruits and veggies.

There truly was something for everyone -- a great way to spend an Easter Sunday afternoon and an excellent addition to the NYC outdoor market scene. I look forward to returning many times this spring and summer! Go early before it gets too crowded however, no body likes to have to fight their way through a crowd on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

Dekalb Market
138 Willoughby Street (right off the B, Q, R Dekalb Stop)
Open 7 days a week 8am - 6pm

Happy Easter my Fromagical friends!