Downtown Phoenix is growing more and more vibrant every year. If you’ve ever frequented the area, then you’ve probably seen the Phoenix Public Market. It is state’s largest open-air market with 100 vendors and open year-round, rain or shine. Now you can add the perfect place for a bite to that list. On Wednesday, May 8, from the minds who brought us St. Francis comes the Phoenix Public Market Café. Chef Paul Steele will bring together the freshest, local ingredients, with his simple and health-focused menu. If you think it’ll be expensive, you’re in for a treat. Breakfast and lunch items will be $10 and under and dinner items will be $15 and under. The café is doing some philanthropy as well with all proceeds of kids menu items going to the St. Mary’s Foodbank’s backpack program. So basically, the Phoenix Public Market Café is one of the best things to hit downtown in quite a while. To kick it all off, the mayor will be hosting a lighting ceremony on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix Public Market Café | 14 East Pierce Street | Phoenix

Farmer’s markets have everything you could possibly need. If you can’t taste the difference between freshly grown local and the stuff they ship to grocery stores then there must be something wrong with your taste buds. Right now, artichokes are in season and Scottsdale’s Singh Farms weekly farmer’s market with be showing off their recent harvest. This Saturday, May 4, the farm will be having an artichoke festival where you can pick out as many as you want for just 50 cents a piece. Artichokes can run up to $5.00 a piece at stores. You can make a day of it with cooking demos, recipes, and more.

Photo courtesy of Haute Living.

It’s important for you and your family to eat healthy. If you’re constantly eating fast food, processed food, and things of the like, having a healthier and fresher alternative will make you feel so much better. The s.e.e.d. café, part of the Madison Improvement Club, will be featured at the Arcadia farmer’s market every Sunday through August. It’s the perfect place to pick up freshly grown and local fruits and veggies. S.e.e.d. café’s Chef Joe Meyer’s famed Joe-nola house-made energy bars will be the star of the show at the market. Made with healthful yet super tasty ingredients such as cherries, oats, shredded coconuts and chocolate-covered goji berries, they are guaranteed to add some pep to your step. Grab some of the bars along with some of their delicious house-made juice, and you have the perfect post-workout meal.

Photo courtesy of Haute Living.

We know summer means warmer blazing temperatures, but in the desert it’s easy to forget that with summer comes exciting seasonal offerings, lighter fare and brighter colors. So besides all the tropical drinks and excuses to grill (which we are huge fans of, by the way) here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Here in the Valley of the Sun, we can take year-round farmer’s markets for granted, so take some time this summer to support local farmers and enjoy their goods. Our friends at Chow Bella profile a summer staple, the Farmer’s Market Salad at St. Francis. While you’re at it, take a peek at their piece on Binkley’s Heirloom Tomato Dinner, also courtesy of a local farmer. Just in case you’re now feeling inspired, here’s a list of local farmer’s markets, courtesy of Haute Living. »READ MORE

The Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale, arguably the Valley’s best farmers’ market, continues its Edible Education. The new, chef driven series will pair local chefs and local producers for helpful tips, tastes, and delicious demonstrations every Saturday morning through March 31.

Check the schedule of who’s cooking and when after the jump: »READ MORE