Shopping Gets Eventful

You don’t expect to find worms at a grocery store. But Green Grocer is cut from a different cloth: It’s less straightforward supermarket and more ad hoc cooking school, with piles of local produce as a backdrop.

And one of the most popular events at Cassie Green’s cozy, year-old West Town market is the monthly worm composting class, in which experienced composters share their experiences and advice. The next one takes place in October (date TBA); all classes are free, but the bin--worms included--is $25.

The September schedule is filled with delicious events: Chicago’s Koval Distillery will be on hand this Tuesday, pairing after-dinner drinks with high-end s’mores made with Potter’s graham crackers from Wisconsin (one of Green's favorite new items).

This Friday (September 18), three Green Grocer stalwarts--Nice Cream, Pasta Puttana and Sweet Girl--will celebrate their recent press with a tasting party.

The best deals are the free classes each Saturday. Next up: A self-taught amateur cheesemaker will share mozzarella-making tips. Make your own using Traders Point Creamery milk from Indiana--or just pick up some of the Wisconsin cheeses that Green always has in stock.

Green Grocer, 1402 W. Grand Ave. (at Noble); 312-624-9508 or greengrocerchicago.com