WS Chronicle

Located in the middle of what urban planners and city officials consider a “food desert,” the Liberty Street Vendors Market will not only provide fresh fruit and produce, but a myriad of culinary delights.

One of the great things about open-air markets around the country is their ability to charm your taste buds with everything that appeals to the palate. The Liberty Street Vendors Market will provide shoppers with the same opportunity.

“The Bean Lady”, Fuiell-Salimia

A native of Winston-Salem, Ardella Fuiell-Salimia is affectionately known as “The Bean Lady.” Ardella says, “I am the peddler of elegant and exotic, dried heirloom beans! My mission is to bring something different to the table.”

Something different, indeed; her wares include not only a variety of beans, but dishes like Tiger Eye Chili, hummus and made from scratch cake, yes, cake!

Food truck connoisseurs often have their cravings go unsatisfied during the week. I have contacted and spoken with more than 20 food truck owners and operators based in this city and from various parts of the state. Many are excited about the possibility of having a regular place to park and serve both during the week and on weekends.

The mother-daughter team behind D’s Cakes in a Cup & More specializes in cupcakes and cake pops.
“We create custom cupcakes for special occasions, including, weddings, family reunions, corporate events and more. Our menu features cheesecakes, cakes and cobblers. All products are made fresh … and from scratch,” said Kathy Dickerson, the mother of the duo.

The Liberty Street Vendors Market welcomes their chocolate-salted caramel, yellow strawberry buttercream and red velvet cream cheese icings. Sugar monsters, get your forks ready to indulge.

Frog’s Toadly Good Eats is a fun, Americana-style food truck that focuses on top-shelf quality dishes. Frog’s is owned by the husband and wife team of Karen and Ken Johnson.

“For years, we have enjoyed cooking and baking in our home and are now taking it to the streets,” Ken said.

This colorful food truck serves specialty hot dogs and sliders, as well as homemade desserts. “We pride ourselves on providing quality food items with an original twist at an affordable price,” Ken added.

The Bean Lady, D’s Cakes in a Cup and More and Frog’s Toadly Good Eats are just a few of the vendors who will provide food, glorious food at the Liberty Street Vendors Market. All food vendors are required to meet the standards and licensing requirements of the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. Those who have shown interest and signed up to vend, are licensed, certified and ready to serve you.

Spaces are available for fresh produce, art, crafts, baked goods, jewelry, apparel and other items. For guidelines, applications and/or additional information, please contact Terrance McNeil at 336-793-3441 or lsvm@earthlink.net. Internships and volunteer opportunities are also available.

Mercedes Miller,
Guest Columnist

Mercedes L. Miller is owner of Mercedes-Empowers, Inc., which has won the City of Winston-Salem contract to operate the Liberty Street Vendor’s Market.