Lunch Break

Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County 

Here, There, and Everywhere

In light of my recent columns debriefing my time overseas, I thought it would be fun to carry on the nomad theme. This week I visited Troy’s newest up-and-coming cafe, The Travelers Market. 

What once was Basil’s is now home to an exciting new breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot. The Travelers Market has an extensive menu of burgers, salads, poutine, and newly added wraps. I first stumbled across The Travelers Market on Facebook a few weeks ago, and, as I was still writing about my trip to Paris, London, and Galway, I made a mental note to check it out. 

The adorable world traveler theme stems from The Travelers Market’s owner, Jenelle. Jenelle has a soul and heart that yearn to travel. She’s been to multiple places within the US and has visited Mexico, but she has big dreams of adventures overseas. Jenelle created the small Troy cafe by adjoining some of her favorite meals, sauces, and learnings from places she’s been and longs to go. Much of the menu is inspired by different areas of both the US and other countries. The Travelers Market also hosts a small gift shop filled with handmade crafts from artists around the world. 

Before I happened to catch Jenelle for a chat while she was working with her team at the bar, I stopped in The Traveler’s Market for a late lunch. Although the menu is filled with all-day breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner, and a curious menu of poutine, I opted for something simple. I ordered the Southern Ember Bowl and a side of Journey Fries. It’s also notable that The Traveler’s Market has a coffee shop side to it as well, featuring a variety of tasty drinks from Travelin Tom’s Coffee, which both owners, Jenelle and Allen, also pursue through coffee trucks in Miami County. I personally had already had my fair share of lattes before visiting (made by my favorite Chaffee’s barista… me), but I’ll definitely be back to try Tom’s when I haven't just clocked out. 

The Southern Ember bowl featuring the Ember Chicken is perfectly titled. The chicken was very spicy; however, the buffalo and fiesta flavors in the salad and in-house-battered chicken were absolutely delightful when cooled with Ranch dressing. The Journey fries were equally delicious and totally cancelled out whatever healthy vibe I was trying to go for with the salad. The crunchy fries were smothered in hot nacho cheese and crispy bacon bits, and the whole bowl pushed me to try poutine the next time I’m in. 

You don't need a plane, a boat, or a train to embrace your inner nomad. If you’re feeling in the vagabond mood, just take a trip to The Travelers Market and support a local, new, and deliciously adorable small business. 

The Travelers Market is located at 18 N. Market Street, Troy.