Looking for a delicious way to spend your evening?
Look no further than the Deer District Market presented by the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, an event created to highlight and support a variety of small food-based operations with an emphasis on BIPOC-owned businesses.
Stop by the market on Wednesday, Sept. 15 or Saturday, Sept. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy a delicious dinner from prepared food vendors, purchase produce or peruse other wares from some of Milwaukee’s best up and coming entrepreneurs.
Here are some of the awesome vendors you’ll find when you go!
1. A&M Organics
If you love hot sauce, check out the goods from A&M Organics, an urban farm that uses organic practices to grow the produce for a wide variety of hot sauces. One of my favorites is the Black Ribbon, a slightly smoky hot sauce made with chocolate habaneros that gets complexity and earthiness from black coffee grounds. If they have it, buy it!
2. At Peace Design
It’s a crazy world, and all of us could use a daily reminder to live in the moment. At Peace Design offers products that remind you that mindfulness and inner peace are within reach. Look for clothing items, stickers, mugs and other products that might just help you find your zen.
3. Emmanuel’s Mix
If you love snacking, head to Emmanuel’s Mix for their addictively delicious trail mix using corn/rice cereal, pretzels and pecans covered with an irresistible sweet and salty coating. You won’t be sorry.
4. Funky Fresh Spring Rolls
There are few local brands easier to love than Funky Fresh Spring Rolls, a company birthed from a desire for healthful, tasty fare. Not only is TrueMan McGee among the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet, but his spring rolls are filled with goodness and never deep-fried so you get all the satisfaction of a crisp, amazing spring roll without the added fat.
5. Immy’s African Cuisine
Explore the flavors of East Africa with Immy’s African Cuisine. Need a good place to start? Try their delicious samosas. They’re crisp and savory and utterly delicious.
6. Lush Popcorn
If you haven’t tried Lush Popcorn, consider this your invitation to give them a try. Not sure where to start? Try their Milwaukee Mix, a sweet, salty, slightly spicy mix of sweet maple bourbon, Wisconsin cheddar and spicy chipotle cheddar popcorns. It’s delicious.
7. Mr. Dye’s Pies
We love Mr. Dye’s Pies and so will you. These homemade treats are made with love and come in flavors like classic sweet potato, Southern pecan, Blueberry Hill and key lime. Grab a slice while you’re there.
8. Soul Brew Kombucha
If you doubt that kombucha can be delicious, you haven’t tried Soul Brew, Milwaukee’s own kombucha brewery. This small business is brewing up healthful, low-sugar, carbonated beverages that pack in a boatload of health benefits with every sip.
9. Teens Grow Greens
There are so many worthy non-profit organizations out there. But Teens Grow Greens is doing amazing work in offering teenagers life-skills through hands-on experiences including paid internships, youth apprenticeships in agriculture, education and marketing. Head to their booth to learn more and check out what our amazing Milwaukee teens are creating!
10. Wild Child Farms
Looking for produce? Wild Child Farms is among a cadre of farms with a presence at the market. This family-owned farm located in Waukesha County offers a variety of products from organic, pastured farm-raised chickens and ducks to sustainably farmed produce and housemade jams and mustards.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
