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| - What a lovely reuse project, De Soto Central Market is. They took a building which sat empty on a prominent corner in Central Phoenix for YEARS and turned it into a grand community space, which offers foodie food from independent local eateries (5 stalls at the current moment). Thankfully the food stalls offer many locally sourced ingredients, which is always a plus in my book!
They did a great job with the restoration; leaving exposed beams in the ceiling and exposed vintage bricks in the walls, which both contrast greatly with the added modern amenities and decor. Local artwork hangs on the walls and is offered for sale too. You can also find historical paperwork from the previous business which is hung like art.
They have two levels of work, play, eat space, complete with a grand staircase which extends off the front seating area, rising over both bars and a back staircase as well.
In addition to offering a fully stocked bar, they offer a coffee bar (Tea and Toast) , a burger stall (DeSoto Central Market), an asian & latin food stall (Adobo Dragon), a vegetarian food stall (RADish), an american food stall (Yard bird + The Larder), a raw oyster bar (Walrus & The Pearl) and if that's not enough they have more to come, which will include a flower stall.
I've enjoyed the Adobo Dragon's rendition of ceviche, which was cured in a citrus pineapple juice and served very soupy, but cannot wait to try the bao buns. Their service was pleasant and inviting too.
I've also eaten at the DeSoto Central Market burger stall a few times and was pleasantly surprised by the South x Southwest pork burger, which was topped with both candied jalapenos and poblano chili, but it wasn't hot at all. What makes me happiest about eating their burgers is the fact that their beef is humanely raised on sustainable US farms and ranches, never given antibiotics or hormones and fed all-vegetarian feeds; however i'm not quite sure about the pork, as it was my first time eating that burger. The fried zucchini is breaded in cornmeal and mixed with ocra, but they don't tell you it's served mixed, and it comes with a side of dressing, which can be either too watery or just perfect.
At RADish I enjoyed the Beard of Zeus salad, which was romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, feta, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, grilled zucchini, tomato, cucumber, red onion, mint, and a creamy roasted garlic dressing. They served it up fresh, salad bar style, giving me the option to opt out of anything I wouldn't eat, but of course I ate it just the way they serve it up!
Tea and cookies from Tea and Toast are always a pleasant treat too, however last week we arrived just after 10am and tried to order a burger (which their menu stated was available after 10am) only to be told they weren't offered until 11am; so we had to leave, ending up at Lenny's Burgers on Central and Thomas (my dad is old school and their breakfast offerings were too #foodie for him; what can I say?).
The best part about this place is the abundance of seating styles. You will find a couple comfy chairs, a couch, a table for two, a table for 4 or a table for many; as well as several outdoor seating arrangements, in addition to a community conference room. The slightly covered outdoor patio also houses a bar (open for special occasions maybe-it hasn't been open during any of my visits) as well as a round fire pit area and a gaming area, which includes shuffleboard and ping pong but I'm holding out for a pool table ^_~.
You can access the DCM from the light rail, which is caddy corner to the roosevelt station. Its open 7 days a week (closed for most holidays so check their schedule) and offers several events weekly, such as the Pop-up Markets on Fridays from 5 - 9pm and Saturdays from 11am - 3pm and the Farmers' Market on Sunday's from 10am - 3pm.
On any given day you will find awesome deals and specials. For summer they just extended the M-F happy hour to include extended happy hour on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3pm-close too.
However the best deal is their bottomless mimosas offered on Sundays from 10am - 3pm with purchase of food. Another great deal is for all you #D'backs fans who show them your home-game ticket; because you can buy sliders and a local beer for only $10.
These types of community food centers are making their way across the United States and being that this one is indoors with AC, makes it a very great idea and foodie destination, for those seeking locally sourced products and great food combinations, which can be slightly unusual or cutting edge. So break out from under that stream of air and get your foodie on!
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