July 2, 2011 – Trump International Hotel & Tower’s first farmers market got off to a quiet but upscale start on Thursday. With some fanfare, the hotel launched its “Trump Bridge to Bridge” farmers market, coordinating with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. (Click on image to view larger version.)

“We need more farmers,” said Trump general manager Colm O’Callaghan. 12 vendors set up shop on the riverwalk next to the 92-story building, selling mostly prepared food. The executive pastry chef for Trump, Sarah Kosikowski, served a farmer favorite, sandwiches made with pate and Italian meats.

O’Callaghan says the feedback has been encouraging. “They’d like to see more vegetables, but it’s kind of early in the year for vegetables.”

The market was open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and according to a news release, it is the first farmers market in downtown Chicago to remain open past 3 p.m. They will try it again on July 21, August 18, and September 15.