New Upscale Farmers Market Brings Gourmet Cookies, Organic Sauces and Puppy Treats to River Oaks District

The Market at the District Takes Place the Third Sunday of Each Month

BY Shelby Hodge // 01.21.21

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Mary Ann's marinara sauce was a hit among shoppers swelling through the market at River Oaks District. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

The Market at the District (River Oaks District) launched in style the third Sunday of January. The sophisticated farmers market plays out against a backdrop of posh boutiques and chic restaurants. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Dogs are welcome at the upscale farmers market held in River Oaks District the third Sunday of the month. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Cookies from Milk Mustache were so popular at the inaugural market in River Oaks District that even at $4 each, they were a near sellout. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Fresh vegetables and fruits straight from the farm are among the traditional offerings at the upscale farmers market at River Oaks District. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

Yummy pastries and flavored coffees from Amorino, River Oaks District's artisan ice cream shop, are offered at the upscale farmers market. Note the busy brunching throng at Toulouse in the background. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

The once-monthly upscale farmers market at River Oaks District caters to pets and pet owners including vendors selling gourmet pet food such as Doggiee Snack Bar. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

What farmers market would be complete without homemade chips and salsa? Never fear, the market a River Oaks District answers the need. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Jams and jellies from ShoSho's Kitchen delighted shoppers attending the once-monthly market at River Oaks District. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

COVID-19 masks from Beach House on the Brazos were hot sellers at the market at River Oaks District, held the third Sunday of each month. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

Angie's Gardens offers everything from teas to soaps to elixirs at the River Oaks District market. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

Even vendors bring along their pooches, here a standard poodle, to the open-air market at River Oaks District. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

A trio of handsomely outfitted pups make the rounds of the upscale farmers market held the third Sunday of each month at River Oaks District. (Photo by Shelby Hodge)

Mary Ann's marinara sauce was a hit among shoppers swelling through the market at River Oaks District. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

So what exactly is an “upscale” farmers market, the likes of which launched in River Oaks District on the third Sunday of January? Well, it’s a hybrid farmers market with a dash of sophisticated offerings played out against a backdrop of luxury designer boutiques.

Think giant gourmet cookies (so popular that even at $4 each, they were a sellout); deluxe marinated eggplant; doggie treats (with plenty of pooches strolling the venue); aromatic elixirs, potions and teas; Mama’s Tamales; and much more along with the requisite fresh fruits and veggies.

We must mention the to-die-for sugared pecans from ShoSho’s Kitchen. And, wait, the socks made from recycled plastic, who knew?

By all accounts the first “Market at the District” was a resounding success that not only left vendors with pockets of dinero but also filled the surrounding restaurants, resulting in a festive atmosphere, in the otherwise dreary COVID era — that alone made it worth the Sunday excursion. And it filled our personal shopping bag.

The Market at the District_Michael Anthony (1) — What farmers market would be complete without homemade chips and salsa? Never fear, the market a River Oaks District answers the need. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

Among the items we bought were masks embroidered with the Astros logo for our friends who are minority owners of the team, jars of marinated eggplant (just waiting for a pork roast or crostinis), mini panettones for breakfast, limes for Shafik’s famed margaritas and more.

Outdoor Dining with Bering's

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The market is a pleasing collaboration between River Oaks District and Your Neighborhood Farmer’s Market, the largest certified community farmers market in Texas.

“As a district, we aim to provide our community with unique experiences,” River Oaks District marketing director John Pearson said in a statement. “The Market at the District serves as an extension to support local businesses. Giving our patrons and local businesses an additional way to enjoy the district.”

Among the curated contingent of local vendors expected to make the scene every third Sunday are Pain Train Salsa, fresh eggs and meat from Erbe Ranch, 4 Brother’s New York Bagels, Biryani Hut Indian cuisine, seasonal produce from Texas Farm & Ranch, baked goods from Milk Mustache and pasta sauce from Mary Ann’s Products.

Mark your calendars for February 21 when The Market at the District returns. Book your outdoor restaurant tables now as al fresco brunch at River Oaks District is wildly popular.

Stay tuned as the market is said to be just the beginning of a variety of open-air experiences and pop-ups to fill the River Oaks District calendar in the coming year. Masks required. Thank you.