Will this be the last market for a while?

I listened to the news just before writing this, in case there was useful information about the approaching strike deadline involving City workers. There is no settlement to report at this time. Years ago, when there was a strike, we were able to go ahead with a fully outdoor market (with behind-the-scenes support from CUPE and Toronto Public Health) but at this time of year, that’s not possible. We should know at 12:01 am this Saturday, and will post information here about what’s happening. Here’s hoping for a fair and fast settlement. You may want to buy some extra market food this time just in case.

A few notes about this week’s hearty and healthy winter fare:

Country Meadows (Angelos) will have fresh roasting chickens available. Don’t delay if you want one; they are superb, and quantities are very limited.

If it’s chicken soup you want to make, stewing hens are on offer alongside Bees Universe’s honey and eggs, and Marvellous Edibles may have some too, as part of their impressive selection of storage vegetables, meats and charcuterie, preserves, baking, fresh cold-weather greens and other tasty items.

When it comes to what you look for in a good pickle, Blythe says it’s all about your grandmothers. Mine were both fond of sweets, and our family recipes for Bread & Butter, Icicle, and even Dill Pickles reflect that. If you grew up on Full Sours, you’d grimace at the taste of my favourites, and I’d be wincing right back at the taste of yours. Fortunately, Spade & Spoon has perfected a wide range of pickles and condiments, so we can agree to disagree.

You may not know that Blythe and Adam lived in Japan for a while, and some of their recipes are based on foods they came to love there. This week they’re bringing a batch of wonderful Japanese Nabe Soup, made with winter vegetables and Ying Ying Soy Food’s special tofu.

For all your wild food needs (plus free arm-wrestling lessons), Seth of Forbes Wild Foods is back.

Be sure to visit the garage, where Ted Thorpe will have a selection of fresh organic produce, Damon of Culture City will have all kinds of fermented foods to try, and ChocoSol will tempt you with beautiful chocolate. We might tuck DeFloured in there too if it’s chilly.

See you at the market!
Anne Freeman

Our Vendors this week:
Ali Harris RINKHOUSE
Bees Universe RINKHOUSE
Chocosol GARAGE
Country Meadows RINKHOUSE
Culture City GARAGE
DeFloured OUTSIDE
Dufferin Park Bakers RINKHOUSE
Forbes Wild Foods RINKHOUSE
Kind Organics RINKHOUSE
Marvellous Edibles Farm RINKHOUSE
Spade & Spoon RINKHOUSE
Ted Thorpe GARAGE
Ying Ying Soy Food RINKHOUSE