Punk Rock Market
by Timm Carney
I need a pint of half-and-half, an avocado, a
bag of Hostess Donettes, a cup of French roast coffee, a huge grinder, a
New York Daily News and a pack of American Spirit Yellows. Luckily, I
live only two blocks from the greatest market in Providence.
Kym and John Carmichael own and run the Hudson
St. Market and they rock. The Market rocks, they employees rock, the
customers rock it’s all good unless you are humorless and thin skinned.
If that describes you, there’s a 7-11 a couple of blocks away you might
like.
The Hudson St. Market is on the corner of
Hudson and Sycamore in Providence and could be considered the epicenter of
the Armory District. Simply known in the neighborhood, as “The Market”
Hudson St. is where all the neighbors meet. This joint is Providence.
Crack ladies and Trinity actors rub elbows with punk rock lesbian dog
walkers and old lefties. They’re all welcome. Many a Disney animator has
enjoyed a Hudson St. sangwitch.
Quirkiness is the order of the day and the
moods of the staff influence the music and attitudes. You could get
yelled at but unless you are an ass it’s all in good fun. Eric, a
longtime employee, once told me at Christmas time he enjoys making
Caucasians cry. We all need our hobbies. If you have any obscure
questions about Ozzy or Judas Priest john can answer them for you. Kym is
punk rock and a killer pianist. She can also kick your ass if need be.
Moira is young and adorable and was at the coolest underground loft party
last night.
The tin ceiling and antique fixtures aren’t
vintage, they’re original. The market has been there forever and isn’t
that what one wants in a market, stability. Usually open and stocked
Hudson St. is always there. It was the first business open after the
great blizzard of aught-four. Sometimes, if you are nice and they’re in a
good mood they’ll sell you cigarettes after hours! Dogs hang out in front
by the big pig garbage can. They don’t come in the store. Kids do though
and they love it. Hudson St. Market sells real penny candy, although none
costs a penny anymore.
Product wise the market has it all. Do you
need lemon ginger echinacea juice or some white bread? Do you need a
whole chicken and a popsicle? How about some fresh apricots and a can of
Drano, you can get it there. But there is something else. Many people in
the neighborhood have accounts with the market. How 1915 is that!
If in the neighborhood stop by or better yet
call up and order a sandwich. There are none better in town. Huge and
delicious made from meats and cheese sliced fresh, stuffed with excellent
vegetables on crispy Italian bread. Can’t you just taste it?
