Reason #39 to Love Memphis: The Winchester Farmer's Market
Reason #39 to Love Memphis: The Winchester Farmer's Market
The first thing that you need to know about the Winchester Farmer's Market is that it's not actually a farmer's market. It's a sprawling former Schnucks filled with all manner of international cuisine.
In most grocery stores, imported food is relegated to the "ethnic" aisle where a limited selection of Mexican, Italian and Asian foods compete for shelf space. At the Winchester Farmer's Market, it's like the ethnic aisle exploded.
The produce section is bigger than most Easy Way stores, and much more interesting. They've got all sorts of obscure fruits and veggies. I was impressed by their serious commitment to peppers - there were 20 different kinds of fresh peppers (and an entire aisle of dried and canned peppers).
The meat section is a must-see, too. The Winchester Farmer's Market has an in-house butcher, so all of the meat is super fresh. Every kind, type, and part of the meat is represented. Cut fish and chicken shares freezer space with whole cow heads. It can be a little shocking at first.
The store has a unique geography. The aisles are labeled by country, but not in the order that they occur on a globe. Shopping there is sort of like shopping at a Kroger where the food is just slightly off - the packaging is similar, but the brands are different, and most of the text isn't in English.
Before you head out to Hickory Hill, ready to experience the wonder of the Winchester Farmer's Market, know this: Your first trip might be a little overwhelming. I spent nearly an hour there on my first trip and only bought a container of spicy cheese dip and two Mexican Cokes.
Go There:
Winchester Farmer's Market
6616 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 795-1525
Comments Make Us Happy