Weekend Market Picks July 27 & 28, 2013: Southern Hospitality for Charming New York City Feet

New Yorkers walk hundreds of miles every year. And yet how many of us think about the condition of our feet? But all that is changing, one step at a time.

Meet Southern Hospitality Foot Products, also known as SoHo Feet. Co-Founded by Quinton Yelldel and his partner Krystle Ford, this line of foot soaks, scrubs, creams and grooming supplies are a breath of fresh air. (Yeah, I’m going there.) With origins in Georgia, Quinton is a licenced podiatrist from the South who moved to Brooklyn several years ago. He was seeking products to recommend to his patients to help them care for their own feet. However, he could not find any that featured mostly natural ingredients but were still effective. So he decided to create his own line of natural beauty products, “all with a southern charm.”

I love the North/South connection not only via Quintin himself, but also through the product scents, like HoneySuckle Orange, Magnolia, Mint Julep and Sweet Almond. SoHo Feet also has a special scent for men called Mr. Right, a blend of patchouli, sweet orange and honey. You can find these scents in the foot creams, heel balms, foaming sugar scrubs and powders. They also make a Sweet Tea Foot Scrub that is refreshing and divine. Don’t leave home without the 10-piece travel kit.

SoHo Feet will be at the Ridgewood Market in Queens this weekend. You can also meet Quintin in person regularly at the Hester Street Fair. And follow SoHoFeet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest! Your feet will be in good hands.

Weekend Market Picks!

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Albee Square Farmers Market: The French Farmers Market is open! Brought to you by the people who run most of the farmers markets in Paris, the Albee Square Market features farm fresh produce as well as artisan crafts. Open Thursdays too. 11AM – 5PM, DeKalb Avenue corner of Bond St. & Fulton St., Brooklyn

Queens County Market: This market only takes place periodically, so you need to jump in when it happens! Just a few things that popped out at me for this one: samosa bar, four kinds of fresh oysters, Guyanese chicken patties, Hawaiian braised short rib ravioli, and buttered popcorn ice cream with toasted raisin and dark chocolate flakes. Yeah, I’ll be there. 12AM – 4PM, QUAINT Restaurant, 46-10 Skillman Ave. bet. 46th & 47th Sts., Sunnyside Queens

Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28, 2013

Grand Central Market: We often think of tents and outdoor venues when we think of markets. But don’t forget about this beautifully well-rounded food market with everything you need for a picnic in Central Park or a fabulous home-cooked meal. Two fishmongers, dry-aged steaks, Murray’s Cheese, and Li-Lac Chocolates are just a few of the food purveyors inside Grand Central Terminal (open 7 days). 10AM – 7PM Saturdays, 11AM – 6PM Sundays, 7AM – 9PM Weekdays, Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan

Hester Street Fair and LES Flea: The Hester Street Fair is in full swing all season on Saturdays with artisan, flea and food vendors. Now they are bringing back the LES Flea on Sundays too. Think of it as a neighborhood-wide yard sale. Lots of treasures to be found on both days! 10AM – 6PM, Hester St. at Essex St., Brooklyn

Ridgewood Market: This market is a “community driven artisan flea market.” Its aim is to provide an affordable venue for local artisans to sell their products. This weekend is their big summer event, so go check it out. It looks like it has a whole lot of heart! 11AM – 5PM, Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, 59-03 Summerfield St., Ridgewood, Queens

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Brooklyn Bridge Park Down To Earth Market: This well-rounded farmers market in a scenic spot also features a wonderful selection of prepared foods and snacks in addition to fresh regional produce. including pickles, cured meats, seafood baked goods (pies!). Grab a frozen pop from La NewYorkina to snack on in the heat! 11AM – 4PM, Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn

Smorgasburg in DUMBO: While you’re in the shade of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, bring your appetite and your imagination to Smorgasburg on Sunday, just a short stroll from the Down To Earth Market. My best advice is to go to the vendors with the shortest lines at any given moment. Everything here is innovative and tasty. So if there’s a line, go try something else and come back later. It’s seriously all good. 11AM – 6PM, in the Tobacco Warehouse near Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn

Fulton Flea Market: I recently spent about 2 hours in this seemingly small flea and artisan market in Ft. Greene. I encourage you to stop by and check it out for yourself. It is associated with the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center, and they are co-hosting a Children’s Health Day event at the market this weekend. 10AM – 6PM (or later), 650 Fulton Street between Fort Greene Place and South Elliott Place, Brooklyn

~Karen Seiger, Markets of New York City