Knife Sharpener, 'Puffs of Doom' Named Vendors as Artisan Market Nears

Officials behind Lake View’s new Low Line Market have already released the first six vendors, but now, the cat is out of the bag.

The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce—who organizes the upcoming outdoor event—officially released their final list of merchants for the artisan market. Slated for Thursday, June 6 from 3-8 p.m., the Low Line Market will be Lake View’s only weeknight agricultural market, but it won’t be like a traditional farmers market.

Every Thursday, 12 vendors will gather beneath the Southport Avenue “El” tracks on the west side of the street to sell not only fresh produce, but mostly locally made artisan foods and goods.

Sharpening by Dave

• True to the Low Line Market’s style, Sharpening by Dave is bringing a unique element to the outdoor market—knife sharpening. David Nells, who also frequents Lincoln Park’s Green City Market, professionally sharpens knives in a wet stone bath for $4 a pop, and $5 for cleavers and kitchen shears.

B True Bakery

• Snag some all-natural, whole grain baked goods from B True Bakery like their Morning Pastry or artisan breads. The baker already sells its products around the North Side, like at East Lake View’s Coffee and Tea Exchange.

Penny Pastry

• The Evanston-based baking company is bringing its traditional French pastries to the market, as well as some other confections. Handmade jams, crepes and sweets like their signature cookie, the Pennydoodle, are also on the menu.

Puffs of Doom

• The cream puff is getting an artisanal twist by Puffs of Doom, a traveling food truck and cart focused on perfecting the cream puff. Owner Rebecca VanderKloot will be there selling the puffs on Southport.

Phoenix Bean

• Based in Evanston, Phoenix Bean was one of the first tofu manufactures in Chicago. The company will serve soybean-based products like fresh tofu, soymilk and bean sprouts.

Bot Bakery

• Those seeking organic, vegan and gluten-free bakery items can head to the Low Line Market for Bot Bakery. Currently selling markets and cafés all around Chicago, the Streeterville-based company will sell treats that are both delicious and eco-friendly. 

Katherine Anne Confections

• This Logan Square sweets company is known for it’s organic-inspired artisan sweets specializing in hand-dipped truffles and soft honey caramels. Signature flavors include rosemary sea salt, chocolate walnut and toasted coconut rum.

Lucila’s Homemade Alfajores

• Founded out of a desire to bring Argentinian treats to America, Lucila’s Homemade Alfajores is serving up the country’s national cookie. An Alfajor is made like an ice cream sandwich, but the two cookies are soft and crumbly with a dollop of dulce de leche in the middle.

C&D Family Farms

• Owners and Chicago natives Crystal and Dan Nells moved to Indiana and started a farm all about raising hogs in a natural environment. With no antibiotics, hormones or animal byproducts, theses hogs roam free on their open farm. “Happy hogs mean great pork!” their website reads.

Nordic Creamery

• Wisconsin cheese and butter producers Nordic Creamery is taking its handcrafted products to Southport, including some of its 7 cheeses and 8 specialty butters like Summer Butter, Harvest Butter and Garlic and Basil Butter. “Our goat and cow's milk have met the highest standards in Wisconsin,” it reads on their website.

Piedt’s Farm Market

• This Michigan-based farm is all about selling fresh produce and homemade goods from Amanda Marie’s Bakery, like pies and cheesecake.

Defloured: A Gluten Free Bakery

• The Lincoln Square bakery is brining their gluten-free twists to Lake View this summer, dishing up bars, cupcakes, cookies and even whooping pies. Get ready to take a bite of some Willpower Crumble Cake, Trying Not to but Can’t Help but Pecan Bars and Hot Mama’s Chocolate Ginger Cookies.