Most of us use our weekly trip to various Pittsburgh farmers’ markets to stock the fridge and the pantry. The smartest of us bring home a ready-to-eat meal or two from vendors whose fresh and delicious foods tempt and satisfy the taste buds.
Ready-To-Eat Meals at Pittsburgh Famers’ Markets
Jak’s Bakery at Sewickley Farmers’ Market
Zhelyazko (Jak) Latinov owned a bakery in his native Bulgaria for over 20 years. Since moving to Pittsburgh, he has been practicing traditional phyllo techniques, braiding Easter breads, and crafting delicacies. Pick up a crescent-shaped pasty called a kifla for breakfast. Jak fills them with rosehip jam, a Balkan tradition that’s simply delicious.
Forno Brenci at Bloomfield Farmers’ Market
Chef and baker Daniele Brenci, the author of Advanced Bread Baking at Home, is a master of sourdough. His baguettes are crusty on the outside and robustly fluffy on the inside. Delicious. While you’re stocking up, grab a focaccia sandwich for lunch, or better yet, a pizza. Flavors change weekly, but we think the best ones are topped with mortadella.
Driftwood Oven at Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market
Neil Blazin and his team are always baking up some sort of goodness. If you haven’t tried their pizza, make a plan and check that box. Then you can immediately move on to Driftwood’s Italian Sandos, Potato and Pastrami Hand Pies, and any of the sweet options that might be available when you visit.
TC’s Goodies at Farmers’ Market Cooperative of East Liberty
The presentation is simple: a table full of carefully packaged fudge, trail mix, cookies, and other treats. The flavors are awesome. Treat yourself!
PGH Dumplingz at Bellevue Farmers’ Market
Chef/owner Eric White is a wizard of dumplings, packing flavor into little, beautifully shaped packets of dough. Among the several flavors on offer is the Chicken Shishito Dumpling, a favorite of our crew. Vegan options are available.
Keystone Cultures Kombucha at Market Square Farmers’ Market
The Lavender Serenity Water Kefir is a cooling, soothing quaff. The crisp fizz of Cucumber and Honeysuckle Kombucha with Blue Spirulina quenches your thirst on a warm day. Both are good for the gut.
Pittsburgh Pie Guy at Swissvale Farmers’ Market
The Pittsburgh Pie Guy’s menu is diversely delicious, ranging from savory Pineapple Chipotle Pork to Tuscan White Bean & Kale hand pies. Seasonality governs the sweet pies, with berries dominating in early summer. Gradually, peaches take over, then apples and pears. Egg Nog Custard and Chocolate Peppermint complete the year.
Nurture PGH at Bloomfield Farmers’ Market
Vegetarian Chef Selena Orkwis sources her ingredients as locally as possible in order to create sustainable, vegetable-focused foods. Her breakfast burritos and Lentil-Walnut “Sausage” Rolls can silence grumbling tummies if eaten immediately at the market, but you can also take some great food home and warm it up for a carefree dinner.
Traditional Greek Sweets at Oakmont Farmers’ Market
Drawing from generations-old family recipes, Traditional Greek Sweets uses fresh, local, and imported ingredients to make their delicious offerings. Try the spanakopita (spinach pie) and feta psomakia (feta and dill dinner rolls) before moving on to any of their cookies, pastries, and other sweet delicacies.
Lviv European Kitchen at Mt. Lebanon Farmers’ Market
Nadia Gorban was raised in Ukraine, and learned how to cook at her mother’s side, starting with borscht and pierogies. These are only a small part of her menu, which extends from traditional Eastern European fare into Italian and American foods. Her legit Ukrainian pierogies are a must-taste!
Story by TABLE Staff / Styling by Anna Calabrese / Photography by Dave Bryce
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