Catch Carri at Le Jardin Secret for USA Today

Spending your Saturday afternoon at the farmer’s market is a common routine for Denver residents, but what if I told you that there had been a very cool and secret farmer’s market going on all summer that offered top of the line products?

Le Jardin Secret was an under-the-radar market that came onto the scene in Larimer Square in May, taking a slightly different approach from the traditional version with less than 10, highly-curated vendors with a strong focus on local, artisan foods. I had the chance to cover it for USA Today.

You can watch the video here.

Already an iconic spot in Denver known for having the greatest selection of independent and chef-driven restaurants, Larimer Square was a natural fit for Le Jardin Secret.

“In many ways, it’s the center of the universe for Denver,” said Jeff Hermanson, CEO of Larimer Associates.

So why all the secrecy surrounding it? Well, it wasn’t exactly kept mum – it’s just that the organizers chose not to heavily market or promote the weekly event.

“We do like that it’s hidden, and a little bit secret,” said Jorel Pierce, Le Jardin Secret Curator and Euclid Hall Chef Partner. “I think sometimes a small degree of exclusivity improves the quality.”

In addition to an exclusive selection of goods, another major difference between Le Jardin Secret and your typical market was its liquor license – shoppers could have a drink while browsing, making it more of social scene and fun way to pass the afternoon.

Matt Wallington, Store Manager of Savory Spice Shop in Denver, explained that one of the big draws for Le Jardin Secret was that it catered to foodies and chefs with unique ingredients and high quality products that they would want to take home and cook with. From cheeses to spices, vegetables, meats and even flowers for the table, Le Jardin Secret was a gourmet-lovers dream shopping destination.

Le Jardin Secret was open this summer on Saturdays, from May to August. Feeling a case of FOMO? You’ll just have to check out the list of vendors and start writing down your shopping list for next summer.

For more details on Le Jardin Secret, watch my video on USA Today Travel here.