Enter fall vibes hanging on the coattails of the last remnants of summer rainstorms. While some animals are prepping for hibernation (well maybe not in Florida, but alas), our open-air markets, like Indie Flea, are getting back into the groove after their summer hiatus. Before this girl enters her winter cocoon, I am on a mission to track all my favorite vendors down for the yummiest of hurrahs. It’s almost crazy to think about how big the Indie Flea has gotten in the last few years. I can remember visiting when there were only a handful of vendors at their Morean pop-ups. Now, with so many choices, it can be hard to food plan, but your girl’s got you covered with some faves!
A newcomer to the circuit, Slate, is bringing all the charcuterie vibes. I went with the Prosciutto Sandwich served with gorgonzola, strawberry balsamic jam, and arugula on a baguette with a side of marinated olives. The presentation is beautiful and looks more like it’s rolling out of a bistro instead of a tent. If a board is more your style, they generally have a sampler of finely curated meat and cheeses as well.
I always like to follow my lunch with all the dessert, and let’s be honest, even though it’s fall, this is still Florida. So beat the heat of the afternoon with some Kakigōri, or Japanese shaved ice from Perfect Weather Forever. This vendor is a little harder to find, but is known for their pop-ups (besides the market I’ve also tracked them to Bandit Coffee, as well as Wild Roots). With an ever-changing flavor menu, you never know what you’ll find, which is part of the fun. Past options have included Blueberry Basil and PB&J. It’s wonderfully light and not too sweet!
Next up, because one dessert is just never enough, y’all have to find my girl from Katie’s Fine Cookies. Besides the market, you can find her circles of deliciousness around town at spots like Baba, Bodega, and Black Crow. Some of my favorite flavors have been the horchata white chocolate and apricot thumbprints. I’m definitely tracking her down though, because the matcha ube shortbreads are calling my name!
I can never leave a market without goodies to bring home, so my last stops will make for the perfect next-day breakfast. Taste test a myriad of options over at Embrew Tea, but nab a coveted bag of the Creamy Honey Oolong. You can thank me later! These lightly sweetened tea bags make for the perfect morning cup or three. I can’t wait to try their new seasonal flavor getting ready to drop soon!
Tea alone does not make for breakfast, so you can’t leave without a little something from Vegan Sunshine Donuts. Also found in spots like Black Crow and Neighborhood Joe, they always roll out way more options at the market! Decisions, decisions. I dare you to get just one. I love everything from their key lime to the lavender.
*Note the market has multiple locations. All vendors and item options are not available at every market. The best way to stay up to date on when, who, and what is available is via the vendors’ instagrams: @indieflea, @slate.stpete, @perfectweatherforever, @katiesfinecookies, @embrewtea, and @vegan_sunshine_donuts.
If you can’t wait until December to see what I’m eating, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at [email protected].
