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Four years of fabulous soups (and other things)
Driftless Market
Driftless Market in downtown Platteville sells locally produced food.

PLATTEVILLE — The Driftless Market opened in downtown Platteville four years ago this month.

Since that time, local soup chef Bev Johansen “has been creating soup magic,” says Market co-owner Robin Timm.

One of two words that best describe Driftless Market would be “local,” and not just for the food it sells. The store is a supporter of the Community Supported Agriculture movement, with products sold from Gary Olson, the Safe Home Farm, the StoneCrop Farm, Tony Demmer, and the Lange Family Organic Farm in Platteville; the Two Onion Farm CSA, Maple Shade Farm, and Montchevre Goat Cheese in Belmont; Oak-Del Farm in Rewey; Sinsinawa Bakery; and Hickory Acres Gluten Free Foods and Willow Creek Apiaries in Potosi.

A variety of local artists’ work is featured inside the store as well.

The other word to describe the store is “organic.” The store’s produce is locally obtained, with additional organic-certified produce. The store also has a substantial selection of gluten-free foods, denoted with orange tags.

The Driftless Market, 95 W. Main St., is having two events this week. “Four Years of Fabulous Soups” is being held today from 5 to 7 p.m.

This event is designed to help people learn how to make their own “fabulous soups” at home. Johansen will offer some of her secret soup-making tips, beginning with basic cutting techniques to produce selection to putting it all together and making magic.

This will be the second event in the Driftless Market “Seasonal Soups” series this year.  The first was held last March, utilizing early spring produce.

“We hope to do more regular classes revolving around making soup,” said co-owner Heidi Dyas-McBeth.
Johansen was chosen for the summer series as it corresponds with the market’s Anniversary Month. along with the fact that she has been with the market since its first day.

“Fabulous Soups” will continue a seasonal theme by using some local summer produce in two different soups, Vegetable Chicken Minestrone and the customer favorite African Peanut Soup.

The Driftless Market will commemorate its fourth anniversary with an Open House Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be an opportunity to sample a few new and old favorite soups. There will also be a conversation with Driftless Market owners Heidi and Bill Dyas-McBeth, and Robin and Jayne Timm-Dunnum.

For more information, call 348-2696, or visit www.driftlessmarket.com.