Grub StreetChicago

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If it's a Wednesday morning in summer, you're likely to find Carnivale executive chef Mark Mendez at the Green City Market — arguably Chicago's best farmers market, with dozens of farmers trucking in from Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin to sell their wares. Through it all, Mendez strides like a guy in his element — and he is. He's so committed to sourcing from the GCM that last summer he missed only two Wednesdays (he was out of town), and still feels bad about it. We couldn't think of anyone better to take us on a tour of the market as seen through a chef's eyes — watch the slideshow to see some seriously hot peppers, the "best arugula in the world," and other produce that'll turn up on tonight's dinner menu.