Saying Farewell To The Green Market: My Ode

It’s hard saying goodbye to Fargo’s Green Market.

We will be closing the restaurant at the end of March. The restaurant has been a consuming passion for the past six years and we are looking forward to new passions in our lives.

I, like many others, am very bummed about this upcoming closure, but wish the staff well on their new pursuits.

Jake and I have enjoyed some of our favorite Fargo meals at the Green Market. This restaurant fills a void in the Fargo-Moorhead dining scene by offering seasonal menus, intentionally made from local foods, when possible, and it rotates every day. Its menu items are creative without being overwrought. Nor, does this creativity distract from the quality of its ingredients.

Often, the menu celebrate occasions like the Chinese New Year or Dia de los Muertos. Other times, it celebrates themes like Julia Child. The Green Market has been supportive of local artists and fundraisers, often catering events, donating food or beverages, and offering their restaurant as a space for the function. Last fall, the Green Market partnered with Probstfield Farm, a local, organic farm in Moorhead, MN, and designated a couple weeks towards featuring the farm’s produce.

There are a handful of other restaurants in the area that also strive to utilize local products and rotate their menus, but, to be honest, none do to the same extent that the Green Market has. Especially in terms of menu rotation frequency and most especially in terms of pricing. Somehow, it manages to serve food reflecting the presentation and quality one might expect to see at Fargo’s best, upscale restaurants at prices found at casual chains. Plus, they do so with local, seasonal, and organic ingredients.

During our visits to the Green Market, we haven’t had any contact with the chef, but have enjoyed becoming acquainted with co-owner Peter Kelly and the lovely Kitchen Assistant. They always made us feel at home. Plus, Kelly’s a pro at helping guests choose wines and select cheeses from their case.

Snapshots from our visit on February 21st, 2013. Dessert first, moving counterclockwise from the top-left: Magical buttery tart shell filled with tangy orange cream and passion fruit jelly ($5). Meatballs in bracing red and green mojo sauces ($13). Snappy shrimp, vegetables, and rice in a sweet, caramelized orange sauce ($14). Gently flavored sesame udon noodles with edamame and silky sheets of sweet pickles ($6). Not pictured: Cup of spicy West African peanut and yam soup ($4). Housemade pickle plate ($7).

The Green Market is closed next week, re-opens after March 6th, and closes after March 30th. It’s only open Wednesday-Saturday meaning you have 15 days left to visit.

Go.